Acton rules out speaking with Ramaswamy after promising to work with ‘anyone and everyone’
Ohio Democratic Gov.-elect Amy Acton said Friday she has no intention of speaking with defeated Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy, days after promising to work with “anyone and everyone” to improve the state.
Acton made the remarks during an interview with CBS Mornings, her first televised interview since defeating Ramaswamy in Tuesday’s gubernatorial election.
“I have no intention of speaking to him,” Acton said. “I do believe that leaders’ words matter, and we need to hold folks accountable.”
“My promise to Ohio, to those who voted for me and those who did not, is that I will work with anyone and everyone, and I always have to make life better for Ohioans,” Acton said during her election night speech, according to the BBC.
Ramaswamy said during his concession speech Tuesday that he had called Acton and left a message congratulating her on her victory. He also said he was rooting for Ohio and its incoming governor.
Acton attributed her refusal to speak with Ramaswamy to a campaign advertisement featuring her estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who accused her daughter of lying about her upbringing.
The advertisement drew criticism from Democrats and Republicans, including outgoing Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio.
Arthur lost custody of Acton and her brother after their stepfather was charged with sexually abusing Acton when she was a child. Acton has said she has not seen her mother since she was 12.
Acton called the advertisement “terrible and despicable” during the CBS interview and accused Ramaswamy of resorting to personal attacks because his campaign was struggling.
Acton’s comments come as she prepares to govern alongside a Republican-controlled Ohio General Assembly.
Although Democrats broke the Republican supermajority in the state House during Tuesday’s election, Republicans retained majorities in both legislative chambers.
As Ohio.News previously reported, Republican control of the legislature could complicate Acton’s efforts to advance campaign proposals, including a working families tax cut, medical debt relief and measures aimed at reducing utility costs.
Acton’s refusal to speak with Ramaswamy does not necessarily extend to Republican lawmakers, whose cooperation she may need to advance her agenda.
