The 2026 campaign is getting ugly, especially on the right

The growing hostility has raised questions about whether negative campaigning is becoming a central feature of American politics, particularly within the Republican Party, and whether tactics that attract attention today could encourage even more aggressive campaigns in future elections.

One of the most prominent recent controversies has emerged in Ohio, where Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has faced criticism over an advertisement targeting his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton.

The advertisement featured comments from Acton’s estranged mother, bringing deeply personal details of Acton’s childhood into the political contest. Acton has said she received an outpouring of support following the advertisement, which attracted condemnation from critics across party lines.

The dispute has intensified debate over whether campaign advertising should focus on candidates’ public records and policy positions or whether their private family experiences should also become material for political attacks.