Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton calls Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack ad ‘absolutely despicable’

In the wake of a controversial attack ad, Ohio Democratic governor candidate Dr. Amy Acton said her opponent Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is a “danger to my state.” 

“I just think (the ad) is a travesty,” Acton said to reporters speaking outside the Franklin County Board of Elections on Friday afternoon. 

“There is no bar too low apparently for my opponent, he will say and do anything. … I think it was absolutely despicable to do this. I really hope everyone is held accountable for their behavior in this.”

Ramaswamy is no longer airing the controversial attack ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother. 

“It ran to completion, and we’ve put up 4 other ads,” he told reporters Thursday.

The ad features Acton’s biological mom, Donna Arthur, calling her daughter a liar. Court documents show Acton’s stepfather was arrested for raping her as a child, and Arthur lost custody. The couple fled the state to avoid a trial. Acton said she has not seen her mother in nearly 50 years.

“We’ve had such an incredible amount of love and support, and I will tell you also, over the last week, so many people have been coming up at the rallies, at the rope lines, sharing their stories,” Acton said. 

“I’ve always said that I am not the only one who has seen a thing or two in my childhood, and that’s why I do what I do. That’s why we’re fighting to make sure every kid gets a fair shot.”

Politicians on both sides of the aisles, including Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, called on Ramaswamy to take the ad down. 

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended Ramaswamy over the ad. 

The Cook Political Report labeled the Ohio governor race as “Lean Democrat” as of Thursday.

Election Day is Nov. 3 and polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on X or on Bluesky.