President Donald Trump urged Ohio voters to elect Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, attacking Democratic opponent Amy Acton during a campaign rally in Youngstown as the Nov. 3 election approaches.
Trump appeared with Ramaswamy at the Covelli Center on Oct. 12, offering his endorsement and criticizing Acton over her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, tax policies and positions on gun rights. Ramaswamy, in turn, pledged to work with the president to attract federal funding and higher-paying jobs to Ohio.
“Everybody needs to get out and vote for Vivek,” Trump told the crowd, describing Acton as a threat to the state’s economic interests and conservative priorities.
Ramaswamy, who shared a message on X after the rally expressing gratitude to Ohio and the United States, thanked Trump for attending and highlighted his plans to reduce property taxes and strengthen the state’s economy.
Ramaswamy emphasizes gratitude, economic growth
Speaking alongside Trump, Ramaswamy said he wanted to acknowledge the opportunities the United States offered his family and the next generation.
“There is no other country on planet Earth where I would rather be raising those kids. There is no other time in American history when I would rather be raising those kids,” Ramaswamy said, referring to his three children, aged 6, 4 and 8 months.
He thanked Trump and said the country had much to be grateful for, citing what he described as low unemployment, economic growth and low poverty.
Ramaswamy also promised to work with the federal government to bring more investment and better-paying jobs to Ohio if elected governor.
“I pledge to you this. I will be a governor who proudly works with the President of the United States of America to bring more dollars into Ohio, to bring higher-paying jobs to Ohio, to put more money in your pockets,” he said.
He identified property taxes as a key issue for Ohio residents and pledged to address the issue during his administration. The Republican candidate also criticized Acton for not participating in a debate with him, telling the crowd that his opponent had refused to appear for a debate.
Trump attacks Amy Acton over COVID-19 policies
Trump used his remarks to criticize Acton’s record as Ohio’s former state health director during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He accused her of shutting down schools and restricting businesses during the public health emergency, arguing that her policies had harmed residents and employers.
Trump also alleged that Acton wanted to double the state’s income tax and threatened to undermine jobs, manufacturing and gun rights. These were campaign accusations made during the rally.
The president urged Republicans to mobilize voters behind Ramaswamy, framing the gubernatorial contest as a choice between the Republican candidate’s economic agenda and what he characterized as Acton’s policies. The rally was part of Trump’s broader effort to support Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections.
Debate and taxes feature in campaign dispute
The dispute over a debate has become one of the points of contention in the governor’s race. Ramaswamy has publicly called for a debate with Acton, arguing that the candidates should present their positions directly to voters.
In an interview with Cleveland television station WOIO published Oct. 12, Ramaswamy outlined proposals to reduce property tax bills, limit future growth in property taxes and lower electricity costs. He also discussed energy development, education and the placement of data centers. Ramaswamy said he wanted to reset property tax bills to pre-pandemic levels and cap future increases, while pointing to state revenue surpluses as a potential way to fund relief.
Acton, meanwhile, has criticized the financial backing Ramaswamy has received and Trump’s involvement in the race. In a campaign message published ahead of the Youngstown rally, she accused Ramaswamy and his allies of spending heavily to defeat her.
With Election Day set for Nov. 3, the contest has become a major focus of Republican efforts in Ohio, where Trump is seeking to strengthen his party’s position ahead of the midterms.
Ramaswamy’s campaign is emphasizing tax relief, economic development and cooperation with the Trump administration, while Trump’s appearance underscored the president’s personal investment in helping the Republican candidate win the governorship.