Ohio Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy announced plans to spend $4 million to promote a controversial attack ad against Democratic opponent Dr. Amy Acton, despite bipartisan backlash. The ad features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who calls her daughter a “liar” and questions her mental health, while also casting doubt on Acton’s claims of childhood sexual abuse.
In a Friday speech in Strongsville, Ohio, Ramaswamy defended the ad, stating, “I want you to hear it from me directly: These people are lying to you. We ran an ad about lying. Amy Acton is lying.” He reiterated his commitment to prosecuting childhood abuse if elected, though the ad’s focus has shifted attention to the personal history of both candidates.
Court records and family statements confirm that Acton’s stepfather, Cledith Arthur, was indicted in 1978 on charges of sexually assaulting Acton when she was between 10 and 12 years old. Acton’s mother, Donna, sided with her husband and fled Ohio with him to evade prosecution; she did not see Acton again until decades later. Acton’s brother has publicly called the ad “despicable.”
Key reactions to the ad
Republican leaders split: Outgoing Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who endorsed Ramaswamy, called the ad “deeply, deeply troubling” and urged its removal. Republican Sen. Jon Husted and Secretary of State Frank LaRose also distanced themselves from the spot. Vice President JD Vance dismissed criticism as “whining,” while state GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou warned, “We are keeping score.”
Trump defends ad: Former President Donald Trump praised the ad as “very powerful” and urged Ramaswamy to keep it running. At an Iowa rally, Trump recounted a conversation where he allegedly told Ramaswamy, “Look upstairs and say ‘thank you, God.’” Trump later posted on Truth Social, calling Acton “defective, dishonest, and incapable.”
Polling shifts: Recent surveys show Acton leading in most polls, though the race remains tight. A New York Times/Siena poll placed her ahead 49% to 45%, while a CNN/SSRS poll gave her an 8-point edge. A co/efficient poll showed Ramaswamy with a 2-point lead. The Cook Political Report classifies the race as a toss-up.
Background on the ad’s content
The ad’s central claim—that Acton has “lied her entire life”—contradicts court records and family accounts. 1978 court documents show Acton and her brother were removed from Donna Arthur’s custody after Cledith Arthur’s indictment. Acton has not spoken publicly about the abuse since the ad’s release, but her brother confirmed the details to multiple outlets.
Ramaswamy’s campaign has not confirmed whether it funded the ad, though CBS News reported it was part of the candidate’s strategy. The campaign has pledged to spend $4 million to air the spot, framing it as a response to Acton’s alleged “lies” about Ramaswamy’s record and policies.
Broader implications for the race
Political analysts suggest the ad reflects a broader trend in Ohio’s gubernatorial race, where candidates are increasingly using personal attacks. Mike DeWine, who previously endorsed Ramaswamy, has become a vocal critic, calling the ad “wrong.” The controversy has also reignited debates over the limits of attack ads in politics, with some Republicans arguing the strategy risks alienating voters.
The race remains one of the most closely watched in the 2024 midterms, with Ohio’s political shift from red to blue hanging in the balance. Both campaigns have framed the election as a referendum on leadership, governance, and the state’s future direction.
Timeline of key events
- 1978: Cledith Arthur indicted for sexually assaulting Amy Acton; family flees Ohio.
- 2004: Cledith Arthur dies; Donna Arthur remains estranged from Acton.
- October 2024: Ramaswamy releases ad featuring Donna Arthur, calling Acton a “liar.”
- October 2024: Bipartisan backlash erupts; DeWine, Husted, and LaRose criticize the ad.
- October 2024: Trump and Vance defend the ad; Ramaswamy pledges $4 million to air it.
- October 2024: Polling shows Acton leading in most surveys, though race remains tight.