Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is facing widespread criticism after releasing a $4 million advertising campaign targeting his Democratic opponent Amy Acton, featuring Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur. The advertisement alleges that Acton is dishonest about her past, a claim officials say is connected to deeply personal and sensitive family history involving allegations of child sexual abuse.
The ad includes Arthur’s statement, “It’s not easy for a mother to say this, but Amy was a serious problem. She is a liar; she lies about her past.” Court documents distributed by Acton’s campaign indicate that Arthur’s husband was charged with raping Acton when she was 12 years old. Public records show he pleaded not guilty, left the state, and lived in Pennsylvania with Arthur until his death in 2004.
Acton and her brother, Philip Stearns, were reportedly removed from Arthur’s custody following the charges and have had no contact with their birth mother since. Stearns condemned the ad, describing Ramaswamy’s use of the sexual abuse allegation in a political context as “a despicable low.” Acton added that her birth mother “did nothing to protect” her and accused Ramaswamy of exploiting Arthur’s condition for political gain.
Ramaswamy’s campaign defended the advertisement as a “campaign-ending moment,” branding Acton a “serial fabulist” with “serious problems with the truth.” Ramaswamy stated that Arthur was not compensated for her participation and described the testimony as part of a broader pattern of accusations against Acton that voters should consider.
The ad quickly drew attention and sparked controversy, viewed millions of times within a day. Prominent Republicans, including Donald Trump Jr., promoted the ad on social media, urging Ohio voters to consider its implications. The ad has drawn criticism from within the Republican Party as well. Lydia Mihalik, a Republican cabinet member under the outgoing governor, said there is a line between fighting for principles and abandoning them to win.
Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown called the ad “disgusting,” while his Republican opponent, Senator Jon Husted, stated he would not have run a similar advertisement. Former governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley denounced Ramaswamy’s tactics, labeling him a “bad guy” who continues to avoid accountability.
Vice-President JD Vance, speaking at an Ohio rally, dismissed complaints about the ad as political whining, asserting that “politics is a tough business” and claiming the ad “calls it out like it is.”
In response to the heightened discourse, MK Pritzker, spouse of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and prominent Democratic donor, announced a $500,000 contribution to Acton’s campaign. The couple is regarded as influential donors who may be planning a 2028 presidential bid.
Ramaswamy first emerged on the national stage during the 2024 Republican presidential primary before withdrawing and throwing his support behind Donald Trump, who carried Ohio by more than 11 points in the general election. Ramaswamy entered the Ohio gubernatorial race in early 2025 with Trump’s endorsement and secured over 80% of the Republican primary vote.
Once considered the frontrunner, Ramaswamy has recently seen his lead narrow, with the contest now considered competitive. Democrats have not won an Ohio governor’s race since 2006. The campaign has already been described as one of the most acrimonious nationwide, with Ramaswamy previously attempting to depict Acton as a violent alcoholic.