Many Ohioans got to know Vivek Ramaswamy when he ran for president in the 2024 election cycle.
But today, the Republican gubernatorial candidate says he's focused on making Ohio a better place.
Ramaswamy joined state government reporter Haley BeMiller for an episode of Ohio Politics Explained on Oct. 1 to discuss his campaign against Democratic Dr. Amy Acton. The two are vying to replace term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine in a nationally-watched race that's turned ugly in television ads.
Ramaswamy fielded questions about his proposals to cut income taxes and require data centers to pay for their neighbors' electric bills. He said he wants to see local school districts become less reliant on property taxes − even if that means the state kicks in more
funding.
Ramaswamy also defended the tone of ads from his campaign and allies and criticized Acton for declining to debate him. Acton campaign manager Phil Stein said she doesn't want to platform someone "who spreads baseless lies about her and her family," a reference to ads that accuse Acton of abusing drugs and alcohol.
An ad tied to the Democratic Governors Association claims Ramaswamy peddled a drug to Alzheimer's patients that didn't work, but the drug was never marketed to patients.
"It's not just that both attacks on both sides are negative," Ramaswamy said. "I think from her side, those are completely false attacks. And the reason that she doesn't want to show up on the debate stage is I think she doesn't want to answer for the legitimate criticisms about her own record."
You can watch the full interview with Ramaswamy in the video player above or listen on your podcast platform of choice. Stay tuned for a new episode next week featuring our interview with Acton.
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Vivek Ramaswamy talks taxes, schools, Amy Acton on podcast
