Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has defended a controversial campaign advertisement featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic rival, Dr Amy Acton, in Ohio’s closely watched governor race. The advertisement has sparked political backlash, with critics questioning its use of Acton’s painful family history during the campaign.
Speaking at a campaign stop in northeast Ohio on Friday, Ramaswamy argued that the advertisement focused on honesty rather than Acton’s childhood experiences. The ad features her birth mother, Donna Arthur, calling her a liar and making comments about her mental health.
“The irony is they are lying about an ad that is about lying,” Ramaswamy said, accusing his opponents of diverting attention from their political record.
Amy Acton Condemns the Campaign Advertisement
Acton, a former Ohio public health director, has spoken publicly about experiencing abuse and homelessness during her childhood. She criticised Ramaswamy for using an advertisement that features her estranged mother.
Arthur lost custody of her children after her husband, Cledith Arthur, was charged with raping his stepdaughter. According to police and court documents cited in reports, the alleged abuse involved Acton when she was 12 years old.
Cledith Arthur pleaded not guilty, was indicted by a grand jury in 1978 and later failed to appear at a court hearing. He remained a fugitive until at least 1981 and has since died.
Acton said she would not accept the normalisation of comments dismissing her childhood experiences as complaints.
Donald Trump Backs Ramaswamy’s Strategy
The advertisement has also drawn a response from US President Donald Trump, who praised it and reportedly described it as “hitting pay dirt”.
Trump said Ramaswamy had sought his advice about the campaign strategy. Recalling their conversation at a rally in Iowa, Trump said he encouraged the candidate to continue with the advertisement.
The president also joked that he wished he had possessed a similarly effective advertisement during his own campaigns.
Republicans Split Over the Controversy
The advertisement has divided Republicans. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called on Ramaswamy to withdraw it, saying it was wrong to run the campaign material.
The controversy has intensified debate over the use of personal trauma in political advertising, particularly in a competitive race for Ohio governor. Ramaswamy maintains that the advertisement concerns Acton’s honesty, while Acton and other critics argue that it brings deeply painful family experiences into the political spotlight.
As the campaign continues, the dispute could shape public perceptions of both candidates and raise further questions about the boundaries of political messaging.
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