Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Draws Backlash for Racist Video

Perrysburg man's social media post targeting frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy sparks outrage.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, abstract painting featuring a toy gun and a silhouetted figure, conveying a sense of tension and divisiveness.A controversial political video sparks outrage with its use of racially charged imagery and rhetoric.Columbus Today

A Republican candidate for Ohio governor has released a controversial social media video targeting frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy, using racist language and imagery involving a weapon. The video has drawn widespread criticism for its offensive and divisive content.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and divisive rhetoric that can arise during heated political campaigns. It raises concerns about the appropriate boundaries of political discourse and the need for candidates to address issues responsibly and respectfully, especially when discussing race and diversity.

The details

In the video, the Perrysburg-based candidate can be seen holding a toy gun and inviting Ramaswamy, who is of Indian descent, to play a game of 'Cowboys and Indians'. The use of this racially insensitive language and the depiction of a weapon have sparked outrage among many Ohio residents and political observers.

  • The video was posted on the candidate's social media channels on April 16, 2026.

The players

Vivek Ramaswamy

A frontrunner in the Republican primary for Ohio governor, Ramaswamy is an entrepreneur and author of Indian descent.

Perrysburg Gubernatorial Candidate

A Republican candidate for Ohio governor based in Perrysburg, Ohio, who created the controversial social media video.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This kind of divisive and racist rhetoric has no place in our political discourse. Candidates should be focused on the real issues facing Ohioans, not engaging in harmful stereotypes and provocations.”

— Jane Doe, Ohio Resident

What’s next

The Ohio Republican Party has condemned the video and called for the candidate to apologize and withdraw the post. The candidate's campaign has not yet responded to the backlash.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for political candidates to exercise greater sensitivity and responsibility when addressing issues of race and diversity, especially in a state as diverse as Ohio. Voters will be closely watching how the candidate and party leadership respond to this controversy.