Ramaswamy Keeps Ad Featuring Acton's Estranged Mother on Air

Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for Ohio governor, has refused to withdraw a campaign ad featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, even though senior Republicans have called for it to be removed. Al Jazeera reported that Ramaswamy's campaign confirmed it was behind the advertisement and announced plans to spend $4 million promoting it.

The ad features Donna Arthur, Acton's mother. In it, Arthur accuses her daughter of lying about her childhood, disputes Acton's account of experiencing homelessness and living in a tent as a child, and urges Ohioans not to vote for Acton. Acton and her mother have been estranged since 1978, when Acton was 12.

Acton was removed from her mother's custody after her stepfather was charged with raping her. He pleaded not guilty, failed to appear in court and was never tried. Arthur remained married to him until his death.

Ramaswamy has defended the ad and stood by it despite the backlash, according to PBS NewsHour. President Donald Trump described the ad as "very powerful," and Vice President JD Vance defended Ramaswamy over it. Vance said he was "disgusted" by Republican pushback against the ad.

The criticism has come from both parties. Phil Stearns, Acton's brother, called the ad a "disgusting attack" and said it exploits the childhood abuse Acton endured, according to the Dispatch. Acton's campaign has released a response ad featuring Stearns. Illinois First Lady Michelle Pritzker gave a significant donation to Acton's campaign and denounced Ramaswamy's ad, the Dispatch reported. Several Ohio politicians also condemned the ad on social media.

Opinion polls show Acton narrowly leading Ramaswamy, according to Reuters. Analysts quoted by Reuters said the controversy could backfire on Republicans. The Dispatch reported that the race has been rated lean Democrat since the ad aired. The general election takes place on November 3.