Ramaswamy defends controversial ad featuring opponent Amy Acton's estranged mother

Ohio Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy defended an attack ad featuring Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton. In the advertisement, Arthur calls her daughter a liar and questions her fitness to serve as governor. According to Fox News, Acton called the ad despicable and stated that she and her brother were removed from her mother's custody after her stepfather was accused of sexually abusing her. [1][3][4][7][10]

Speaking at a campaign event in Strongsville, Ohio, Ramaswamy denied that the commercial had anything to do with childhood abuse and accused the media and political opponents of lying about the ad to distract from Acton's record. PBS NewsHour and the Washington Examiner reported that Ramaswamy maintained the advertisement was focused on Acton's truthfulness. MSNBC reported that Donald Trump defended Ramaswamy, referring to Acton as a liar, while CNN reported that Trump said Acton was fair game. [1][2][4][6][7][8]

Politico and ABC News noted that the advertisement sparked criticism from both parties, though Republican figures offered support. ABC News reported that Vice President J.D. Vance praised Ramaswamy for having the audacity to run the commercial, while the Latin Times noted that Vance dismissed Republican backlash as not his concern. [1][3][9]

Acton previously served as Ohio's public health director, where her tenure included issuing early shelter-in-place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Fox News reported that political strategists in Ohio consider Acton's health record and past policies to be a central factor in the gubernatorial election. [1][10][13]