Vivek Ramaswamy's Controversial Ad in Ohio Governor Race Sparks Backlash
Controversial Campaign Ad Released
File image of Vivek Ramaswamy(Photo: X)
Washington, Oct 22: Vivek Ramaswamy, the Indian-American Republican candidate for governor of Ohio, is standing firm on a one-minute attack advertisement featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, who labels her as “a liar.” This comes as Vice President J.D. Vance actively campaigned for Ramaswamy in suburban Cincinnati.
The Ramaswamy campaign confirmed on Tuesday that the ad, which includes Donna Arthur, Acton’s birth mother, was produced by them, as reported by various news outlets.
According to campaign spokesperson Connie Luck, Arthur did not receive any payment for her appearance, and the campaign plans to invest a significant amount in promoting the ad across online platforms and television.
Acton has previously stated that she was taken from her mother at the age of 12 due to severe abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse, as reported by multiple sources.
The advertisement has faced intense criticism, with Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown calling it “disgusting,” while commentator Meghan McCain referred to it as “dastardly.” Additionally, Casey Putsch, a former Republican opponent of Ramaswamy, expressed his support for Acton.
PolitiFact analyzed the claims made in the ad on Wednesday, focusing on the conflict between Acton and her mother regarding her upbringing.
During a rally with Vance in Sharonville, Ramaswamy chose not to mention Acton, instead outlining his proposals for eliminating state income tax, reducing electricity costs, cutting property taxes, and supporting the steel industry, according to local news reports.
Vance defended the advertisement, asserting that the campaign presented the truth, as reported by public radio stations. A heckler was removed from the rally, according to the stations.
On social media platform X, Ramaswamy accused Acton of avoiding debates and claimed she restricts media access at her events. He also shared a video titled “A strong message to Republicans” along with a segment featuring broadcaster Megyn Kelly discussing Acton.
The timing of the ad is crucial, as over 676,000 residents of Ohio have already cast their votes, according to reports.
A recent Marist poll has been closely monitoring the race dynamics.
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to join Brown and Acton at a rally in Cleveland on October 24, indicating that Democrats view the governor's race as competitive in a state that has leaned Republican in recent years.
Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur born in Cincinnati to immigrant parents from Kerala, previously ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 before endorsing Donald Trump. He briefly co-led an initiative with Elon Musk aimed at government efficiency before launching his gubernatorial campaign.
Acton, a physician, was the director of the Ohio Department of Health during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ohio's general election is set for November 3.