Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton condemns opponent's attack ad

Democratic candidate for Ohio governor Amy Acton described a television ad released by Republican challenger Vivek Ramaswamy as "despicable" on Wednesday evening. The ad, which shows Acton's estranged mother Donna Arthur accusing her of lying, has drawn backlash for invoking personal family trauma without mentioning that Arthur's husband was charged with raping Acton as a child and that the siblings were later removed from her custody.

Acton said, "This is despicive, what he's done," and added that she had never attacked Ramaswamy's family. She noted that many voters have experienced abuse, referring to the controversy surrounding the ad.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who endorsed Ramaswamy, called the advertisement "deeply troubling" and urged its removal. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said his office is reviewing complaints, including whether the ad aired without the required sponsor disclaimer.

Ramaswamy acknowledged responsibility for the ad on social media and said his campaign would spend $4 million to broadcast it statewide. The Columbus Dispatch editorial board endorsed Acton, calling the ad "revolting and unsettling."

Other political figures weighed in: President Donald Trump said the situation was "very unusual" but did not link it to Ramaswamy, while Vice-President JD Vance expressed disgust at intra-party criticism of the ad. MK Pritzker announced a $500,000 donation to Acton's campaign. Academic David Lublin noted that attack ads have become more intense and suggested the ad may reflect a desperate attempt to shift campaign momentum.