Vivek Ramaswamy Says 'This Is the Most Important Election' for Keeping GOP Control While Defending Candidate Accused of Domestic Violence

Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was caught on an audio recording defending his continued backing of embattled Rep. Max Miller, arguing that preserving Republican control is the primary goal.

Ramaswamy, who previously served in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and secured an endorsement from Donald Trump, is currently locked in a competitive race for governor against Democrat Amy Acton.

"Thank you for supporting Max, Max Miller," a man is heard telling Ramaswamy in a recording published by Headquarters News on X.

"Absolutely," Ramaswamy said. "Up and down the ticket."

"Are you going to go out and campaign with him?" the man asked.

"My view is this is the most important election for preserving the Republican control of the House, the Senate, and also protecting the Republican control of the state," Ramaswamy said. "If we compromise that, we're done. So that's the way I look at it."

Miller, facing domestic violence and child abuse allegations involving his ex-wife, Emily Moreno (daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno), has been accused of holding a gun to her head and throwing hot water at her, according to reports.

Further investigations into injuries sustained by their 2-year-old daughter were also reported. Miller has denied all accusations as "completely fabricated" and has requested a House Ethics Committee probe to resist pressure to resign.

Ramaswamy's stance differs from other Ohio Republicans, such as Sen. Bernie Moreno, Sen. Jon Husted, and Gov. Mike DeWine, who have called on Miller to resign.

Democratic opponent Acton labeled Ramaswamy's support "deeply disturbing" in a Facebook post, accusing him of failing to stand with survivors.

"They deserve what's coming to them in November," wrote Democratic political strategist Mike Nellis in a post on X in response to the leaked audio.

Ramaswamy's chances of winning the gubernatorial race are currently a coin flip, with the race being widely classified as a statistical toss-up.

While Ramaswamy easily clinched the Republican nomination in May, recent public polling and prediction markets show an incredibly tight general election matchup against Acton.

Historically, Ohio has not elected a Democratic governor in 20 years.

However, non-partisan groups like the Cook Political Report officially shifted the state's rating to a "toss-up" mid-summer, indicating that Ramaswamy's once-favored status has completely flattened into a high-stakes, competitive race.