Perrysburg, Ohio — Republican candidate for governor Casey Putsch said Monday that provocative posts he made on X the previous night were part of a deliberate “social opp” (operation), while affirming that he and President Donald Trump are “cool.”
In a post at 2:09 p.m. EST on Feb. 16, Putsch wrote: “Looking forward to putting a video out on the social opp I ran last night. @realDonaldTrump We’re cool 😉 Putsch for Ohio.” He followed up later in the day with additional messages stating, “It was an opp. Stay tuned,” and explaining that certain details (such as a banner rather than a hat referenced in online criticism) were part of why the operation “worked so well.”
The Sunday night post that drew widespread backlash read: “Just had a thought… Why the fuck should I obey the speed limit if TRUMP can’t hold accountable the Epstein people?????? @realDonaldTrump FUCKING take care of this… Sincerely, WE THE FUCKING PEOPLE. Putsch for Ohio.” It included accompanying media. Online reactions accused Putsch of “crashing out,” with some users referencing past criticism of Trump and suggesting the new explanation was an attempt to walk back the statements.
Putsch, a Tiffin native and northwest Ohio automotive entrepreneur who lives in Perrysburg, announced his candidacy for governor in December 2025. He is running in the May 5, 2026, Republican primary against frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy and other candidates. Putsch has positioned himself as an “America First” alternative to the state GOP establishment’s preferred candidate, criticizing Ramaswamy on issues including H-1B visas, past business dealings, and eligibility rhetoric (including referring to him as an “Indian anchor baby” in earlier posts, a term Ramaswamy’s supporters have called racially charged). News outlets including the Ohio Capital Journal and local television stations have reported on Putsch’s challenge and his emphasis on working-class Ohio roots, car-design background, and nonprofit work through Genius Garage.
No public statements from Ramaswamy, the Trump campaign, or the Ohio Republican Party were immediately available in response to Putsch’s Monday explanation. Ramaswamy’s X account did not reference Putsch in recent posts. Putsch has a history of strong online commentary, including a prior video in which he expressed frustration with both major parties and used profane language toward Trump.
The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial primary will be decided by voters statewide. In southern Ohio, including Ross County and adjacent areas such as Pickaway, Fayette, Highland, and Pike counties, the race is drawing attention from local voters concerned with issues like economic opportunity, state institutions, and America First priorities. Ross County residents, served by outlets covering Chillicothe and the broader south-central region, will help shape the Republican nominee on May 5.
Putsch’s campaign website describes him as a third-generation Ohio State University alumnus focused on protecting Ohio from “globalist special interests.” Reliable reporting from sources such as the Ohio Capital Journal, The Blade (Toledo), WTOL, and Ballotpedia confirms the candidate lineup and Putsch’s background; no major news organizations had published independent reporting on the specific Feb. 15–16 social media exchange as of Monday evening.
The episode underscores the intense online dynamics in the Republican primary for Ohio’s highest office. Further details from Putsch’s promised video were not yet available at the time of publication. Voters in Ross County and surrounding southern Ohio communities are encouraged to review all candidates’ platforms directly as the May primary approaches.
