Ramaswamy campaign uses rival's mother

Ohio Governor Urges Ramaswamy to Pull Attack Ad Featuring Opponent's Mother

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called the ad 'deeply troubling' and urged its removal, citing its exploitation of family history.

Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign released an attack ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother, drawing bipartisan criticism for exploiting personal trauma. Governor DeWine urged its removal, while JD Vance defended the ad, sparking division within the GOP over campaign tactics.

Amy Acton has been open about her difficult childhood, including experiencing abuse and homelessness. Her estranged mother, Donna Arthur, has reportedly sided with Acton's stepfather, Cledith Arthur, who was indicted for rape in 1978. Acton's campaign has stated she "won't normalize somebody who has said that my childhood is just something I'm complaining about."

The controversy arises in the final weeks of a competitive Ohio gubernatorial race. Some Republicans have expressed concern that the ad's focus on personal trauma, particularly child sexual abuse, could backfire, especially given heightened national attention on such issues.