Ohio gubernatorial candidates spar over personal ads as race intensifies

Democratic candidate Amy Acton, a former Ohio health director, said she has been receiving an outpouring of support after a new political advertisement released by Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy featured Acton’s estranged mother calling her a liar. The ad has revived discussion of Acton’s difficult childhood, which she has previously described in the campaign.

“My heart goes out to you,” the woman in the video said, before offering a hug.

Acton, who grew up in Youngstown and lost custody of her and her brother at age 12, acknowledged the personal pain the ad has caused, calling it “the big elephant in the room.” She said she shares her story to give hope to others who have faced similar hardships.

The campaign has highlighted the broader tone of the contest, noting that both sides have aired harsh attack ads. A super-PAC supporting Ramaswamy previously ran a spot accusing Acton of a 2019 domestic-dispute incident, while a Ramaswamy ad featured a man alleging the candidate promoted an ineffective Alzheimer’s drug.

“Dr. Acton’s focus is on talking with Ohioans, not platforming a scam artist who spreads baseless lies about her and her family,” campaign manager Phil Stein said.

Ramaswamy defended his ad, saying Acton has spread defamatory statements about him and his family that merit scrutiny. He also pointed to attacks he has faced from Democratic ads.

Acton, who rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as the state’s health director appointed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine, has defended her pandemic record. While DeWine endorsed Ramaswamy, he said Acton should not be blamed for pandemic decisions he approved.

Science-focused political group 314 Action noted that early polling showed Acton’s leadership during the pandemic was not a liability for many Ohio voters. The candidate has declined to debate Ramaswamy, citing concerns over the spread of falsehoods.

The race, which would make Acton the first elected female governor of Ohio and the first Democratic governor in two decades, remains one of the most competitive and contentious gubernatorial contests in the nation.