By Fatma Younis
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy aired a controversial attack ad against Democratic opponent Amy Acton that features Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, despite warnings from Ohio Republican leaders and his own campaign staff.
Staff Warnings Ignored
Ohio Republicans and campaign staffers reportedly advised Ramaswamy not to run the ad, which shows Arthur, 82, calling her daughter a "liar" over childhood sexual abuse allegations. Arthur lost custody of her children after her late husband, Cledith Arthur, was indicted for raping Acton when she was a child; he died in 2004. Some staffers were so incensed they considered resigning, according to a report by Zeteo.
Backlash from Republicans and Trump Allies
Several Ohio Republican and Trump-world figures privately described the ad as a "self-inflicted wound" as polls between Ramaswamy and Acton narrowed. An unnamed Trump adviser told Zeteo the ad positioned Ramaswamy as "siding with the rapist protector mom" and was "never a good idea." Even Robert McColley, the GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, had reservations but has publicly defended the spot.
Ad Production and Concerns
The ad was created by The Strategy Group, a conservative Ohio-based agency. Staff traveled to rural Pennsylvania to locate Arthur, who was described as being "in bad shape" during filming. Some campaign aides wanted to vet her story more thoroughly, but Ramaswamy reportedly pushed to move forward quickly.
Ramaswamy Defends Decision
Ramaswamy has doubled down despite bipartisan criticism, including from outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who called for the ad to be taken down. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance came to Ramaswamy's defense. Trump said Arthur appeared "totally lucid" and felt an obligation to tell Ohio voters her daughter is a liar.
Fallout and Endorsement Losses
The Plain Dealer, Ohio's largest newspaper, broke its policy of not endorsing candidates in major races to back Acton for governor. Ramaswamy has also lost major endorsements. Acton issued a forceful condemnation, saying she was removed from her mother at age 12 for severe abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.
