Vivek Ramaswamy Defends Controversial Campaign Ad Targeting Amy Acton’s Estranged Mother
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy defends a campaign ad featuring Dr. Amy Acton's estranged mother, sparking intense debate in the Ohio gubernatorial race.
POLICY WIRE — Columbus, Ohio — Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy stood by his campaign’s decision on Friday to air an advertisement featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Dr. Amy Acton. During a campaign appearance in northeast Ohio, Ramaswamy dismissed claims that the spot exploited childhood trauma, asserting that the content focused solely on allegations of dishonesty.
The advertisement highlights Donna Arthur, Acton’s biological mother, who characterizes the candidate as a liar and suggests she suffers from mental health struggles. The controversy stems from the family’s history; Arthur lost custody of her children after her husband, Cledith Arthur, was indicted for the rape of Acton. Court records indicate that Cledith Arthur was arrested in July 1978 for the abuse of his then-12-year-old stepdaughter, though he remained a fugitive for years before his eventual death.
Acton, the former public health director for Ohio, has been vocal about her past experiences with homelessness and abuse. She condemned the campaign tactic, telling Spectrum News that she refuses to normalize the dismissal of her childhood hardships as mere complaints. Meanwhile, the ad has drawn support from President Donald Trump, who reportedly encouraged Ramaswamy to lean into the strategy, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has publicly called for the advertisement to be pulled, labeling the move as wrong.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
