Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy aired a campaign ad featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent Amy Acton, prompting sharp criticism from both parties. Ohio Sen. Jon Husted, a fellow Republican locked in a tight Senate race, publicly stated he would not have approved the ad, calling it inappropriate. The ad, which aired this week, features Donna Arthur, Acton’s mother, calling her daughter a “liar” and urging voters not to support her. Acton has described the ad as “horrible and hideous,” while some Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, have defended Ramaswamy’s approach as necessary in a competitive race.
Ramaswamy defends ad amid bipartisan condemnation
Ramaswamy confirmed his campaign produced the ad and stated it was intended to highlight Acton’s past statements and accountability. His campaign has committed $4 million to airing the ad across Ohio. Acton, who has publicly discussed her history of childhood abuse and estrangement from her mother, called the ad exploitative and an attempt to politicize her trauma. Her brother accused Arthur of siding with their stepfather, who was charged with sexually abusing Acton between ages 9 and 12. Arthur has not publicly addressed these allegations.
GOP figures split on ad’s tactics
The ad has drawn condemnation from Democrats and some Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who called the situation “unusual” but declined to take a firm stance. Meghan McCain and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley also criticized the ad. Meanwhile, Vance praised Ramaswamy for having the “audacity” to run it, arguing that politics requires tough tactics. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, Husted’s Democratic opponent, called the ad “disgusting” and urged all Republicans to condemn it.
Background: Ohio’s competitive races
The controversy comes as Ohio, once a swing state, has trended Republican in recent years. Polls suggest Acton remains competitive in the gubernatorial race, while Husted faces a tight Senate race against Brown. The ad’s timing, just weeks before the midterm elections, has intensified scrutiny on the tactics used in Ohio’s high-stakes contests.
Campaign ad details
The 30-second ad features Arthur stating, “Don’t let her become your governor. If you think she’ll make your life better, you’re fooling yourself. It will only get worse.” Acton has not responded directly to the ad’s claims but has emphasized her policy positions and record in her campaign messaging.