Vivek Ramaswamy launches $10 million ad campaign for Ohio governor

The Republican candidate's statewide TV and digital buy, which runs through the November general election, reflects his big fundraising lead in the race.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for Ohio governor, has launched a $10 million statewide TV and digital ad campaign that will continue through the November general election. This is more than twice the $4.4 million raised by his likely Democratic opponent, ex-state health director Amy Acton, in 2025. Ramaswamy's campaign has accepted nearly $19.5 million in fundraising over the past year, the most any candidate for Ohio governor has raised in a year.

Why it matters

Ramaswamy's ability to raise and spend significantly more on advertising than his Democratic opponent reflects his strong fundraising position and indicates he is confident about winning the Republican primary and the general election. This level of spending could give him a significant advantage in reaching voters and shaping the narrative of the campaign.

The details

Ramaswamy's ad campaign features two initial ads - one with his wife Apoorva touting his focus on helping families, and another with Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Levorchick praising Ramaswamy's support from law enforcement. While Ramaswamy first has to survive the May 5 primary election against Morgan County businessowner Heather Hill and YouTuber Casey Putsch, his elongated ad buy suggests he is not worried about either opponent. Pro-Ramaswamy TV ads have been airing for nearly a year, funded by the super PAC 'V-PAC: Victors Not Victims'.

  • Ramaswamy's $10 million ad campaign launched on March 12, 2026.
  • The ads will continue to run through the November 3, 2026 general election.

The players

Vivek Ramaswamy

The Republican candidate for Ohio governor who has raised a record $19.5 million for his campaign, more than any other Ohio gubernatorial candidate.

Amy Acton

The likely Democratic opponent for Ohio governor, who raised $4.4 million in 2025, a record for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Ohio.

Heather Hill

A Morgan County businessowner who is running against Ramaswamy in the Republican primary for Ohio governor.

Casey Putsch

A YouTuber from Perrysburg, Ohio who is also running against Ramaswamy in the Republican primary for Ohio governor.

Steve Levorchick

The Ottawa County Sheriff who appears in one of Ramaswamy's campaign ads praising his support from law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“a state where hard work means you can afford your home, your groceries, and your future.”

— Apoorva Ramaswamy, Wife of Vivek Ramaswamy (Campaign ad)

“Ramaswamy's continued attempt to reinvent himself.”

— Amy Acton campaign spokesperson (Press release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Ramaswamy's ability to raise and spend significantly more on advertising than his Democratic opponent reflects his strong fundraising position and indicates he is confident about winning the Republican primary and the general election. This level of spending could give him a significant advantage in reaching voters and shaping the narrative of the campaign.