Ohio’s Democratic governor-elect Amy Acton said Friday she has no intention of speaking with Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy after his campaign aired a controversial advertisement featuring her estranged mother.
Acton, who defeated Ramaswamy by nearly 8 percentage points in Tuesday’s gubernatorial election, stated in a CBS News interview that the ad was “terrible and despicable.” Ramaswamy had conceded the race in a speech on Tuesday, saying he left Acton a voicemail to congratulate her, though she has not responded.
Acton’s response to the ad
During her first television interview since the election, Acton called the ad featuring her estranged mother, Donna Arthur, an unacceptable tactic. Arthur, who has not been in contact with Acton since she was 12 years old, appears in the ad urging voters not to support her daughter, calling her a “liar.”
Acton described the ad as a last-ditch effort by Ramaswamy’s campaign, noting that polling had shown him trailing by six to seven points in the final weeks. She emphasized that the ad’s content was beyond acceptable political discourse.
Ramaswamy’s concession and voicemail
In his concession speech, Ramaswamy confirmed he attempted to call Acton to congratulate her but said the call went to voicemail. He left a message, though Acton has not responded or acknowledged the call.
Political fallout and bipartisan criticism
The advertisement drew widespread condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans. Ohio’s Republican Governor Mike DeWine and state Senator Jon Husted publicly denounced the ad, while former President Donald Trump defended it as “very powerful.” Trump had reportedly urged Ramaswamy not to remove the ad.
Acton’s campaign framed the election as a rejection of divisive rhetoric, with voters expressing a desire for leaders focused on problem-solving rather than personal attacks. She highlighted that the campaign had been marked by “lies and hate and vitriol.”
Background on Acton’s estranged mother
Acton and her brother were removed from their mother’s care when Acton was between 10 and 12 years old after their stepfather, Cledith Arthur, was arrested and charged with raping Acton. Their mother remained married to him until his death in 2004. Acton has stated that her mother’s involvement in the ad was “clear evidence she was not well.”
Acton reiterated that she does not intend to engage with Ramaswamy, stating that leaders must be held accountable for their actions.