Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy defended an advertisement released by his campaign that features the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, former Ohio public health director Dr. Amy Acton. The ad, which has sparked controversy, includes Acton’s birth mother, Donna Arthur, accusing Acton of dishonesty and implying she struggles with mental health issues.

Speaking at a campaign event in northeast Ohio on Friday, Ramaswamy dismissed accusations that the ad exploited allegations of childhood abuse. “The irony is they’re lying about an ad that is about lying,” Ramaswamy said. “They’re changing the subject because they don’t want to answer for their own failures.”

Donna Arthur lost custody of her children after her husband, Cledith Arthur—Acton’s stepfather—was charged with sexually abusing Acton as a child. Court and police records indicate that Cledith Arthur was arrested in July 1978 and indicted by a grand jury on charges of raping his then-12-year-old stepdaughter. The abuse reportedly occurred over an approximately 16-month period from December 1976 through April 1978. Cledith Arthur pleaded not guilty but later failed to appear for a court hearing, remaining a fugitive for several years until his death.

Acton has publicly shared aspects of her difficult childhood, including periods of homelessness and abuse. She condemned Ramaswamy’s ad, asserting that it trivializes her experiences. “I won’t normalize somebody who has said that my childhood is just something I’m complaining about,” she told a local news outlet.

The advertisement has drawn a mixed response from political figures and the public. Former President Donald Trump expressed support for the ad, describing it as “hitting pay dirt” and recalling advising Ramaswamy to “ride with it” after receiving a call from the candidate seeking campaign advice. Trump, speaking at a rally in Iowa, also expressed envy over not having such a robust ad during his own campaigns.

However, some Republicans have criticized the ad. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called the advertisement inappropriate and urged for its removal, stating, “It’s wrong to run this ad.”

The ad and the ensuing debate highlight the increasingly personal and contentious tone of the Ohio governor’s race, which is drawing national attention as voters prepare for the upcoming election.