Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s team has acknowledged creating a controversial advertisement featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic rival in Ohio’s gubernatorial election. Despite receiving criticism from both sides for delving into Amy Acton’s troubled past, the campaign plans to allocate $4 million towards promoting the ad. This move injects a highly personal aspect into one of the nation’s closely monitored and expensive state-level campaigns, likely shadowing Ramaswamy as the race enters its final two weeks. Democrats view the ad as a desperate tactic.
Over 676,000 Ohioans have already cast their votes ahead of the upcoming Nov. 3 midterms. The advertisement, unveiled via the political blog The Rooster, showcases Acton’s birth mother, Donna Arthur, labeling her as untruthful and hinting at mental health issues. Arthur lost custody of her children after her stepfather faced charges of raping Acton. Ramaswamy’s spokesperson, Connie Luck, clarified that Acton’s mother was not compensated for her participation in the one-minute video, which is set to be broadcast on television and online.
Initially, Ramaswamy’s campaign released a statement that avoided addressing his connection to the ad’s production. However, Luck later commented on Acton’s credibility, describing her as a “serial fabulist with truth issues that the public should be aware of.” The ad’s origins were initially ambiguous as it circulated online without the legally required disclosure of who funded it.
Acton, a former public health director in Ohio, has openly discussed her experiences with homelessness and abuse during her childhood. She condemned Ramaswamy for the ad even before his campaign confirmed its creation. In response, Acton’s campaign released a statement and video from her brother, Philip Stearns, recounting their removal from their mother’s care and highlighting the protective role Acton assumed in shielding her younger brother from abuse.
High-profile Republicans supporting Ramaswamy, including Donald Trump Jr. and influencer Laura Loomer, amplified the video through online posts. However, some Republicans and Democrats alike criticized the ad. Notably, pundit Meghan McCain labeled it “dastardly,” while Republican strategist Dan Hauser deleted his post sharing the video after grasping the gravity of the allegations.
Car designer and former Republican primary candidate Casey Putsch announced on social media that he would vote for Acton following the ad’s release. The Columbus Dispatch, endorsing Acton for governor, condemned the ad as “revolting and unsettling.” Ramaswamy, a 41-year-old biotech entrepreneur of Indian descent, has never held public office but previously vied for the presidency in 2024. He withdrew from the race and endorsed Donald Trump after finishing fourth in the Iowa caucuses.
