JD Vance Defends Vivek Ramaswamy Ad Amid GOP Backlash in Ohio Governor Race
Vice President JD Vance expresses disgust at Republican critics over Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial campaign ad targeting Amy Acton in the Ohio race.
POLICY WIRE — Columbus, United States — Vice President JD Vance declared during a campaign visit to Ohio on Wednesday that he feels disgusted by the Republican pushback directed at a controversial campaign commercial produced by Vivek Ramaswamy. The ad features the estranged mother of Ramaswamy’s Democratic opponent in the gubernatorial race, Dr. Amy Acton, and delves into questions concerning her traumatic childhood.
While speaking to reporters in Cincinnati, Vance noted that the appropriateness of the 60-second video was not really my concern, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on backing Republican candidates in their upcoming midterm contests. Vance expressed frustration with fellow party members who have voiced complaints about the commercial rather than concentrating on the policy objectives of congressional Democrats and their political allies across the country.
The contentious political advertisement features Acton’s birth mother, Donna Arthur, labeling her a liar and implying she struggles with mental health issues. Arthur previously lost custody of her children after their stepfather was indicted for raping Acton in a case that dates back decades. The spot immediately drew sharp condemnation from both major political parties when it debuted just two weeks prior to Election Day.
Despite appearing alongside Ramaswamy at a rally in Sharonville, Ohio, Republican Senator Jon Husted distanced himself from the broadcast strategy. In a statement provided to journalists, Husted stated that he would not have run that ad, though he refrained from addressing the controversy during his joint appearance with Vance and Ramaswamy.
Nikki Haley, who previously clashed with Ramaswamy during the 2024 Republican presidential primary over personal attacks, took to social media to denounce the move, labeling him a bad guy and expressing disappointment that he continues to get away with such tactics. Meanwhile, police and court records indicate that Cledith Arthur was arrested and charged with the July 1978 rape of his 12-year-old stepdaughter after being reported by Acton’s biological father, later becoming a fugitive when he failed to attend a scheduled court appearance.
Acton has maintained that she has not encountered her mother since appearing in a courtroom during the late 1970s, and her campaign released video footage featuring her brother to corroborate her account of growing up experiencing abuse and living in a tent. Prior to the rally, Vance asserted that Acton lies about every single one of her positions, while Acton’s campaign declined to issue a response, reiterating that her painful past is not the central focus of her run for governor.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
