Democrat Amy Acton will not participate in a debate with Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy in the Ohio governor’s race, according to a statement from her campaign manager, Phil Stein. Stein stated that Acton will not be 'platforming a scam artist who spreads baseless lies.' He emphasized that Acton’s focus is on engaging with Ohio voters rather than debating Ramaswamy, whom he accused of using AI to falsely portray her and of standing with predators and abusers.
Stein also criticized Ramaswamy and his supporters for spending over $50 million on attack ads that he described as 'disgusting' and 'inaccurate.' He referenced a report by Henry Gomez regarding unsubstantiated substance abuse accusations against Acton stemming from a 2019 police incident at her home, where she reportedly mentioned drinking and taking prescription drugs.
In response, Ramaswamy characterized debates as essential for candidates, likening them to job interviews. He expressed disappointment that Acton would not engage with voters through debates, citing her previous tenure as Ohio’s health director and mentioning issues raised in police reports. Ramaswamy also referenced a past statement from Acton’s running mate, David Pepper, who criticized candidates for refusing to debate, suggesting it shows 'contempt for voters and civic groups.'