Ramaswamy Defends Controversial Ad in Tight Ohio Governor Race
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said his campaign will continue airing a disputed advertisement featuring his opponent Amy Acton's estranged mother, despite criticism from fellow Republicans and calls for its removal.
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced that his campaign will spend $4 million to keep a contentious television spot on the air through Election Day. The ad, which includes a statement from Donna Arthur – the estranged mother of Democratic nominee Amy Acton – accuses Acton of lying about her past.
Speaking at a Strongsville pancake breakfast on Oct. 23, Ramaswamy said he would not bow to pressure to pull the ad, adding, "We will stand for what we know is right and true, and we will not apologize for it."
The campaign defended the ad as unrelated to Acton's childhood abuse allegations and said it would pursue such cases if elected. A spokesperson for the campaign criticized media coverage, stating, "The liberal media continues to launder Democrat talking points to shield the least qualified candidate for governor in Ohio history."
Trump, who won Ohio in each of his presidential bids, praised Ramaswamy’s decision to keep the ad running. Vice President JD Vance and other Ohio Republicans, including Gov. Mike DeWine, have urged the ad’s removal, calling it ethically questionable. Former Gov. John Kasich said the spot should be taken off the air and that those responsible should apologize.
Polls show the race is close, with a recent Fox News survey indicating Acton leading Ramaswamy by a narrow margin within the poll’s error range. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the contest as leaning Democratic. Analysts suggest the ad could force Acton's campaign to spend resources on rebuttal, but also note that the tactic may alienate voters who view the personal attack as distasteful.