In a recent social media post that has sparked widespread discussion, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Casey Putsch directly challenged his Republican primary opponent Vivek Ramaswamy, questioning his American identity in a video filmed in a festive home setting. The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on February 13, 2026, features Putsch seated by a lit fireplace and Christmas tree, delivering pointed criticisms. Putsch argues that Ramaswamy lacks the ideological, cultural, and ethnic ties to be considered truly American, citing his background and perceived elitism. The video has garnered significant engagement, with over 900 views and mixed reactions ranging from support to accusations of racism.
Background on Casey Putsch
Casey Putsch, a 44-year-old automotive engineer and entrepreneur from Perrysburg, Ohio, is a political newcomer challenging the Republican establishment in the 2026 gubernatorial primary. Born and raised in Tiffin, Ohio, Putsch is a third-generation alumnus of Ohio State University, where he studied engineering. He founded Genius Garage, a nonprofit educational program that teaches students to build and restore cars, emphasizing hands-on skills and innovation. Putsch, who has no prior elected experience, positions himself as an “America First” candidate focused on working-class values, small business support, and cultural preservation. He lives with his wife, daughter, and has another child on the way. His campaign emphasizes his deep Ohio roots, with family ties to veterans and entrepreneurs spanning generations.
Background on Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy, 40, is a biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate who has emerged as the frontrunner in the Republican primary for Ohio governor. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Indian immigrant parents from Kerala—his mother a geriatric psychiatrist and his father an engineer at General Electric—Ramaswamy graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in biology in 2007 and earned a law degree from Yale in 2013. He founded Roivant Sciences in 2014, a pharmaceutical company that has generated significant wealth for him, estimated in hundreds of millions. Ramaswamy gained national prominence during his 2024 presidential bid, where he criticized environmental, social, and governance investing and advocated for reducing government bureaucracy. He briefly co-led the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump before pivoting to the Ohio gubernatorial race. Ramaswamy is married to Apoorva Ramaswamy, a surgeon, and they have two sons.
Summary of the Feud
The rivalry between Putsch and Ramaswamy has intensified since Putsch entered the race in December 2025 as an alternative to the Ohio GOP-endorsed Ramaswamy. Putsch has repeatedly attacked Ramaswamy on issues including immigration policy, support for H-1B visas, and alleged elitism, accusing him of disdain for American workers and culture. More controversially, Putsch has targeted Ramaswamy’s heritage, referring to him as an “Indian anchor baby” and mocking his Hindu faith by linking him to the “anti-Christ” in social media posts. Putsch has also alleged that Ramaswamy committed fraud by accepting a $50,000 scholarship while earning a high income. These attacks frame Putsch as a defender of traditional American values against what he portrays as Ramaswamy’s globalist leanings.
Has Ramaswamy Responded?
As of February 13, 2026, Ramaswamy has not directly responded to Putsch’s latest video or the specific claims within it. Searches of his social media and public statements show no mentions of the post. Ramaswamy has generally focused his campaign on policy issues like economic reform and government efficiency, avoiding direct engagement with Putsch’s personal attacks. This aligns with his shift toward a more grounded, state-focused approach since his presidential run.
This is not the first instance of such rhetoric from Putsch. He has made similar accusations in prior social media posts, including derogatory references to Ramaswamy’s birthright citizenship and faith, dating back to his campaign launch.
Current Polling in the Race
Polling for the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election shows Ramaswamy holding a strong lead in the Republican primary, set for May 5, 2026. Betting markets give him an 86% to 88% chance of winning the nomination, with Putsch at 11% to 14%. In hypothetical general election matchups against Democratic frontrunner Amy Acton, the race is tight. Recent polls show Ramaswamy leading narrowly, with averages around 46.9% to Acton’s 45.9%, and undecided voters at about 7%. Fundraising reflects this dynamic: Ramaswamy has $12.9 million cash on hand, far outpacing Putsch’s $25,000 and Acton’s $3 million.
The primary also includes other Republican candidates Heather Hill and Renea Turner, though they trail significantly. Analysts rate the general election as likely Republican, given Ohio’s recent voting trends.
For the original post, visit: https://x.com/caseyputschohio/status/2022350717214670979?s=46
