FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 15, 2026
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Columbus Dispatch: Vivek Ramaswamy’s biggest problem is Vivek Ramaswamy
“The likability issue is especially problematic for Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who has been tagged as unlikable since he ran for president in 2024.”
COLUMBUS, OH– Yesterday, the Columbus Dispatch published an opinion piece on the likeability problem plaguing Vivek Ramaswamy, which contributed to the Cook Political Report moving the race to a toss-up for the first time since 2018. The author points to the fact that Vivek isn’t doing himself any favors when he “flies around the state in a private jet on campaign stops while farmers wonder how they’ll pay higher diesel fuel bills.”
READ: Vivek Ramaswamy’s biggest problem is Vivek Ramaswamy. Attack ads can’t fix that guy
- This year is different and problematic for the GOP. One “L” word, “liberal,” might not mean as much as another “L” word: “likeability.”
- The likability issue is especially problematic for Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who has been tagged as unlikable since he ran for president in 2024.
- One of the best sources, the Cook Political Report, has given a clear-eyed analysis. It lists the races for Ohio’s Senate seat and governorship as toss-ups.
- Jessica Taylor, Cook’s U.S. Senate and governors editor, noted Ramaswamy’s likability problem on July 10.
- During 2024 presidential primary debates, the Cincinnati native’s opponents sniped at him, which is what happens, but the attacks were surprisingly sharp. As Time Magazine noted in a 2023 article, Ramaswamy’s opponents simply didn’t like him.
- Some of it is all about a man who flies around the state in a private jet on campaign stops while farmers wonder how they’ll pay higher diesel fuel bills brought on by an Iran conflict that’s halfway around the world.
- But Ramaswamy has other issues. There’s an enthusiasm gap that threatens to depress Republican turnout in the general election.
- His democratic opponent, Amy Acton, has raised more money from more donors in Ohio, signaling a stronger grassroots effort. His favorability rating is underwater (-4) while Acton’s is +3.
- With less than three months before early and absentee voting starts in earnest, the signs point to likability being a factor in the race. That’s not good for Republicans.
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