A row erupted after Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican candidate for Ohio governor, and his wife Apoorva Ramaswamy introduced their newborn daughter Savithri in a campaign advertisement. The video showed the couple’s children meeting their new sister while Vivek kissed the baby.The advertisement focused on Ramaswamy’s commitment to Ohio families, safe communities, good schools, and giving every family a fair chance at economic security. Apoorva Ramaswamy appeared in the ad for the first time, shrugging off criticism that the video could attract trolling. “Bringing a new baby home puts everything into perspective. I am Apoorva Ramaswamy. Nothing means more to my husband Vivek than being a father. He knows Ohio families are working hard but are falling behind. Like every parent, he wants safe communities, great schools and a state where hard work means you can afford your home, your groceries, your future. Vivek is running for Governor to give every family a fair shot at a better life so Ohio’s future stays right here,” the advertisement said.Following the release, controversial comments emerged on X. Self-described investigative journalist Eric Jonathan Brewer wrote: “Another illegal alien’s descendant becomes a ‘birth right’ US citizen in Ohio. Vadakanchery Ganapathy Ramaswamy and Geetha Ramaswamy’s illegal alien Indian Hindu family line is growing. More 33 god residents in 1 God Ohio.”Indian-origin political commentator Mehek Cooke responded to Brewer, defending Ramaswamy’s family and criticising the targeting of ethnicity and religion. “There is a stark difference between legal immigrants who assimilate, contribute, and build in America — and illegal immigration. Attacking someone’s ethnicity, faith, and family is hate. If success and assimilation offend you, that says everything. God bless you,” Cooke wrote.Cooke also shared her own reaction to the campaign video, praising the family and Ohio’s future: “We have a bright future in Ohio. Congratulations to VivekGRamaswamy and Apoorva on welcoming their daughter. As a father of three, Vivek knows exactly what is at stake and there is no one who will fight harder for our children and the next generation of Ohioans.”
