Ohio Governor Calls on Vivek Ramaswamy to Pull Controversial Ad

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Thursday condemned a controversial advertisement from Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, calling it "deeply, deeply troubling" and urging the campaign to "take it down." The ad features Amy Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, claiming her daughter is a "liar."

DeWine stated that "It's wrong to run this ad," adding that even with the midterm elections approaching, Ramaswamy's campaign "needs to take it down." The ad, which appeared on social media late Monday, has drawn bipartisan criticism for referencing Acton's childhood trauma.

Acton has spoken openly about her difficult relationship with her mother, with whom she has not spoken since she was 12 years old. Acton has alleged that her mother's second husband molested her between the ages of 9 and 12. Charges were filed against her stepfather, and Acton testified against him. He fled the state before trial and died in 2004.

Ramaswamy confirmed his campaign produced the ad on Tuesday. Acton has described the ad as "horrible and hideous" and "despicable."

DeWine, who served as a prosecutor of several rape cases, said he believes everyone has an obligation to "speak out for the victims" and send a message to children that they will be protected.

"Today is about the ad. But ... I'm not changing my endorsement," DeWine said when asked about his support for Ramaswamy, whom he had previously endorsed. He joins other Republicans in the state who have criticized the ad, including former Ohio Rep. Jim Renacci and Ohio Sen. Jon Husted.

Ohio Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose stated that his office is reviewing complaints about the ad to determine if it violated state laws. While he noted that candidates are responsible for their own advertisements, he added, "I probably wouldn't run an ad like that."

Vice President JD Vance, however, defended Ramaswamy's ad on Wednesday, stating, "Vivek Ramaswamy had the audacity to run a TV commercial which calls it out like it is and calls Amy Acton a liar."

DeWine, who worked closely with Acton when she led the Ohio Department of Health, stated his experience with her indicated that "she certainly told the truth."