Amy Acton Calls Attack Ad Featuring Estranged Mother 'Despicable'

Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has described an attack ad from her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, as "despicable." The ad features Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who states that Acton "lied her entire life."

The ad has drawn significant political backlash and national attention, particularly because it omits details about Arthur's husband, who was charged with the sexual abuse of Acton when she was a child, leading to Acton and her brother being removed from Arthur's custody. Acton's campaign provided information indicating she last saw her mother in a courtroom in 1978, following her stepfather's indictment. Her stepfather fled the jurisdiction before trial, was never prosecuted, and died in 2004.

Acton, who is running to replace outgoing Governor Mike DeWine, stated at a campaign stop on Wednesday evening that she has "never attacked" Ramaswamy's family and "would never do that." She also commented on the broader impact of the ad, noting that "there are so many people who have experienced trauma and abuse in their lives."

Ramaswamy claimed responsibility for the ad the day after its release on social media and announced his campaign would allocate $4 million to air it statewide. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirmed his office is reviewing complaints regarding the ad, which may have initially aired without a legally required disclaimer identifying its payer.

In a separate ad released by Acton's campaign, her brother recounted their childhood abuse and criticized Ramaswamy for using sexual assault as a "political talking point."

Political figures have reacted to the controversy. Outgoing Governor Mike DeWine, who has endorsed Ramaswamy, has reportedly described the ad as "deeply troubling" and called for its removal. Former Republican Ohio Congressman Jim Renacci posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the ad could significantly harm the Republican campaign for governor, warning that "any Republican who fails to distance themselves from this ad risks taking on water as well."

MK Pritzker, wife of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, announced she would donate $500,000 to support Acton's campaign. The editorial board of The Columbus Dispatch, a local Ohio news outlet, endorsed Acton following the ad's release, calling it "revolting and unsettling."