Republican gubernatorial candidate Casey Putsch has sparked controversy online after a social media response in which he challenged fellow Republican Vivek Ramaswamy on being an American.The exchange began when Ramaswami, who is running for governor of Ohio in the 2026 Republican primary, posted on Instagram about a recent meeting he held with Ohio conservationists and hunters. He wrote: “Great meeting with a group of Ohio conservationists and hunters. Sustainable wildlife conservation and hunting rights are vital to protecting freedom and the environment in Ohio. The post included photos of the conversation.Putsch responded to Ramaswamy’s post on the same forum with a message that drew attention to his language. In his response, Putsch said: “A Hindu anchor says anyone who doesn’t hunt, shoot, eat meat, or have knowledge of firearms should vote for Putsch, the real American.”Putsch is a business owner and automotive entrepreneur from Perrysburg, Ohio. He founded the charity Genius Garage and is positioning himself as an “America First” alternative to Ramaswami in the Republican primaries. His campaign focused on issues such as immigration and job opportunities for local workers.Putsch’s political platform focuses on stronger curbs on immigration and prioritizing domestic workers. He has criticized Ramaswamy for his lack of opposition to H‑1B work visas and said stronger protections are needed for “working Americans”.Ramaswamy is a billionaire and a candidate endorsed by US President Trump and running on mainstream Republican and national conservative positions. His campaign included outreach to voters on a number of issues, including environmental protection and Second Amendment rights, as reflected in his comments about hunting and wildlife conservation.The governor’s race in Ohio has attracted national attention, with multiple candidates offering different visions for the future of the Republican Party and the state. Ramaswamy’s fundraising and endorsements have made him a leading contender, while Putsch’s message seeks to appeal to a subgroup of conservative voters who support strict immigration policies.There is also a Democratic option for voters, former Ohio health director Amy Acton, who is running for governor and has been endorsed by major unions and is seen as a strong contender against Republican candidates in the November 2026 election.