A new advertisement in Ohio’s gubernatorial race sparked controversy this week after Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign began airing a commercial featuring Democratic nominee Dr. Amy Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who disputes her daughter’s account of her childhood. The ad, backed by a reported $4 million advertising buy, drew criticism over Acton’s history of childhood sexual abuse and estrangement from her mother. Ramaswamy’s campaign defended the commercial, with spokesperson Connie Luck questioning Acton’s credibility and arguing that voters deserve to hear from people familiar with her background.

Gov. Mike DeWine, who has endorsed Ramaswamy, called the advertisement “deeply, deeply troubling” Thursday and urged the campaign to withdraw it while maintaining his endorsement. Former Gov. John Kasich also called for its removal and an apology, while U.S. Sen. Jon Husted and Secretary of State Frank LaRose said they would not have run the ad. Vice President JD Vance defended Ramaswamy on Wednesday, telling Republican critics to “stop whining” and focus on the election.

Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed Thursday that the commercial will remain on the air. Luck accused critics of applying a double standard, pointing to Acton’s earlier allegations involving Ramaswamy’s mother and a pharmaceutical investment. DeWine also criticized that attack, which was featured in an earlier Acton campaign ad. The controversy comes as both campaigns make their closing arguments ahead of Ohio’s Nov. 3 gubernatorial election. 10/22/2026