Ohio Governor Denounces Ramaswamy Campaign Ad Featuring Dr. Acton's Estranged Mother
Controversial advertisement sparks official review and reignites debate over campaign tactics and personal history in Ohio's gubernatorial race.
Sarah Connor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine denounced a controversial political advertisement linked to Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign.
Dr. Acton's campaign provided information that her stepfather was charged with raping her when she was a child. This led to her and her brother's removal from their mother's custody.
Police and court records show Cledith Arthur was arrested and charged with the rape of his stepdaughter, then 12, in July 1978. The abuse allegedly occurred from December 1976 to April 1978.
Jon Husted stated, "I would not have run that ad." Vice President JD Vance, a former senator for Ohio, defended Ramaswamy, calling the GOP backlash "whining."
I would not have run that ad.
Vivek Ramaswamy runs for Governor of Ohio, a state Republicans have held since 2010. Donald Trump won Ohio by more than 11 points in the last presidential election.
A poll by VoteHub, released on Thursday, suggested Acton led Ramaswamy by 1% before the ad's release. MK Pritzker announced a $500,000 donation to Acton's campaign.
Dr. Amy Acton has refused to debate Vivek Ramaswamy. Dr. Acton told a group of voters her mother was not well and Ramaswamy should not have "exploited her."
Donna Arthur, Dr. Acton's mother, calls her daughter "a liar" and insinuates that she has mental health issues.