Vivek Ramaswamy defends Ohio ad featuring Amy Acton’s mother

Vivek Ramaswamy Defends Controversial Ohio Campaign Ad Featuring Dr. Amy Acton’s Estranged Mother

Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy is doubling down on a contentious campaign commercial featuring his Democratic opponent’s estranged mother, despite facing sharp bipartisan backlash and an active review by state election officials. The Washington Post reported that the ad, which features Dr. Amy Acton’s mother calling her daughter a liar and urging voters to reject her, has deepened political divisions within the Ohio GOP just two weeks before Election Day.

The 30-second spot thrust Acton’s painful family history into the center of the gubernatorial race. According to police and court records cited by AP News, Acton’s former stepfather, Cledith Arthur, was arrested and charged in July 1978 with the rape of his stepdaughter when she was 12 years old, following a report by Acton’s biological father. Acton stated that she has not seen her mother since appearing in a courtroom during the late 1970s, noting that her opponent has taken advantage of an older individual who is clearly unwell.

Speaking with reporters after a Cincinnati event, Ramaswamy took full responsibility for the broadcast. He maintained that voters should consider what people who know Acton well are saying about her, adding that he has never met the mother and that she received no financial compensation for appearing in the commercial.

Ohio Republicans Divide Over Campaign Tactics and Party Unity

The commercial triggered an immediate rift among state Republicans. Vice President JD Vance urged party members to stand behind the nominee during a Wednesday rally outside Cincinnati, telling reporters that Ramaswamy had the audacity to call out his opponent and warning colleagues to stop whining about tough political tactics. Jon Husted, competing in a competitive Senate race, distanced himself from the strategy, stating in a message to the Associated Press that he would not have run the spot.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose told WSYX that his office is reviewing multiple complaints regarding the commercial. LaRose explained that the Ohio Election Integrity Commission routinely evaluates whether political ads carry proper disclaimers and rely on permissible funding sources, operating much like a standard administrative review for traffic infractions. Meanwhile, former Ohio House Speaker Ryan Smith criticized the aggressive messaging on social media, writing that leaders should stop normalizing behavior that embarrasses the party.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ohio Governor’s Race Controversy

Why did Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign ad target Dr. Amy Acton’s family?

The commercial features Acton’s estranged mother labeling her daughter a liar and asking voters not to support her campaign. Ramaswamy defended the spot by arguing that voters have a right to hear from individuals who have personal connections to his opponent.

How has Dr. Amy Acton responded to the commercial?

Acton told WOSU Public Media that it is painful to watch her mother used in such a manner by an opponent. Her campaign also released a supporting video from her brother to reaffirm her personal history.

What are state officials reviewing regarding the advertisement?

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirmed that his office’s bipartisan election commission is reviewing public complaints about the ad. The review focuses strictly on administrative compliance, such as verifying required campaign disclaimers and permissible funding sources.