Ramaswamy defends controversial Ohio governor ad amid mixed voter reaction

Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said his campaign created a television advertisement that includes Amy Acton’s estranged mother accusing the Democratic opponent of lying. The ad, which was first released by an Ohio political blogger, has sparked criticism from voters and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who called it "deeply, deeply troubling." President Donald Trump defended the spot, saying a mother’s warning should be allowed in political advertising.

Interviews with Ohio voters conducted after the ad’s release showed a split response. Some independent and moderate voters described the ad as off-putting and said it lowered their view of the GOP nominee. One independent voter said the ads were “a real turnoff on both sides.” By contrast, a number of Republican supporters said they would continue to back Ramaswamy despite misgivings, describing the ad as part of the harsh nature of politics.

Ramaswamy, who previously ran for the Republican presidential nomination, argued that the ad does not address any allegations of childhood or sexual abuse and that voters should be free to judge the content themselves. He also noted that his campaign would spend $4 million to continue airing the spot.

The controversy comes as Ohio, a state President Donald Trump won by 11 points in 2024, could become a decisive battleground in the governor’s race. The outcome may hinge on how many Republican voters remain in Ramaswamy’s camp as the election approaches.