Ohio Attack Ad Sparks Backlash in Governor’s Race

Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has condemned an attack ad funded by her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, that features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur. In the ad, Arthur says her daughter has lied throughout her life and “needs help.” It does not mention that Arthur’s husband was charged with raping Acton when she was a child, or that Acton and her brother were removed from Arthur’s custody. Acton said the ad was “despicable” and criticized Ramaswamy for using sexual assault as a political talking point. Her brother has also publicly recalled their childhood abuse in an ad released by Acton’s campaign. The ad drew criticism from politicians across party lines. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who endorsed Ramaswamy, reportedly called it deeply troubling and urged that it be taken down. Former Republican congressman Jim Renacci warned that Republicans who did not distance themselves from it risked political damage. The Columbus Dispatch’s editorial board endorsed Acton after the ad appeared, calling it “revolting and unsettling.” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s wife, MK Pritzker, announced a $500,000 contribution to support Acton. President Donald Trump defended Ramaswamy and the ad on social media, attacked DeWine and the press, and urged Ramaswamy to keep it on air. At an Iowa rally, Trump told him, “you gotta ride with it.” Vice-President JD Vance also criticized Republicans who objected, saying they should stop “whining.” Ohio’s secretary of state said his office was reviewing complaints that the ad may initially have aired without a required disclaimer identifying its funder. Ramaswamy later claimed responsibility and said his campaign would spend $4 million airing it statewide. The candidates are competing to succeed DeWine in the 3 November midterm election. A VoteHub poll conducted before the ad’s release showed Acton ahead by one percentage point, within the margin of error. A political science professor suggested the ad might reflect an effort by Ramaswamy’s campaign to regain momentum. If elected, Acton would be Ohio’s first Democratic governor in two decades.

Vice-President JD Vance has defended a controversial campaign advertisement targeting Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, and criticized Republicans who have objected to it. The ad features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, accusing her daughter of lying throughout her life. It does not disclose that Arthur’s husband, Cledith Arthur, was charged with raping Acton when she was a child. Acton and her brother were removed from their mother’s custody after the arrest in 1978; the family later left Ohio, and Cledith Arthur was never prosecuted. He died in 2004. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign initially released the ad without identifying its sponsor, then confirmed responsibility and pledged $4m to air it. The ad has provoked criticism from both parties. Acton’s brother, Philip Stearns, condemned the use of the family’s alleged abuse as a political issue in a response ad. Republican figures including former presidential candidate Nikki Haley, Senator John Husted and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose also criticized or distanced themselves from the spot. Asked about its appropriateness, Vance said it was not his concern and described himself as disgusted by Republicans who were focusing on the ad rather than Democratic policies. At a rally, he defended Ramaswamy’s decision to call Acton a liar. Donald Trump said he knew little about the advertisement, while commenting on the mother-daughter conflict. Political science professor David Lublin told the BBC that political attacks have grown more intense and that this ad crossed a line because the estrangement concerns a rape allegation rather than policy. He said attack ads often aim to discourage opponents’ supporters from voting, rather than persuade them. Lublin expects the advertisement could backfire and may reflect a campaign trying to shift momentum. The race has become increasingly competitive: the Cook Political Report moved it from “leans Republican” to “toss up,” although Ohio has not elected a Democratic governor in more than two decades.

US Vice President JD Vance defended an attack ad released by Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign in the Ohio governor’s race, telling Republicans to “stop whining” about it and focus on winning. The ad targets Democratic candidate Amy Acton by featuring her estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who disputes Acton’s account of her childhood and urges voters not to support her daughter. Acton has said she experienced homelessness and sexual abuse as a child, including abuse by her stepfather when she was 12. Her account says that her mother remained with the stepfather, who was charged with rape but fled the state before he could be tried; he died in 2004. Acton has also said that she and her brother were removed from their mother’s custody because of severe abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. Her brother has supported her account. The article reports Vance’s response and outlines the conflicting claims presented in the campaign ad and by Acton. The report is by FRANCE 24’s Catherine Viette.