Amy Acton Responds to Vivek Ramaswamy Over Campaign Ad Featuring Her Estranged Mother

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has criticized a campaign advertisement released by her political rival, Vivek Ramaswamy, featuring her estranged mother, Donna Arthur.

The video includes Arthur criticizing her daughter and urging voters not to support her. The advertisement has sparked debate about the role of personal and family matters in political campaigns.

For Acton, the issue is especially personal. She has previously spoken about difficult experiences during her childhood, including abuse and periods of instability.

A personal history enters the campaign

According to records reported by the Associated Press, Acton’s stepfather faced criminal charges in connection with allegations involving her when she was a child. He pleaded not guilty, and the case remained unresolved after he failed to appear for a court hearing.

Acton and her brother were later removed from their mother’s care. Her brother has since spoken publicly about their childhood experiences and criticized the decision to bring their family history into the political debate.

Ramaswamy’s campaign spokesperson said Arthur was not paid to appear in the advertisement.

Reactions from political figures

The advertisement drew criticism from people across the political spectrum. Republican strategist Dan Hauser later removed a social media post sharing the video, explaining that he had not initially understood the background of Acton’s relationship with her mother.

Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown also criticized the ad, while former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley voiced her disapproval of Ramaswamy’s approach.

Vice President JD Vance declined to directly condemn the advertisement when asked about it, instead emphasizing broader disagreements over the country’s political direction.

Amy Acton speaks out

In an interview with Spectrum News, Acton said she objected to the use of her mother in the campaign video, pointing to the circumstances that led to her removal from her mother’s care as a child.

Acton has explained that sharing parts of her personal history is intended to offer hope to people who have experienced difficult circumstances. She has also spoken about the importance of people and institutions stepping in to help children in need.

In a separate interview with WOSU, Acton criticized her opponent’s decision to feature her mother in the advertisement, expressing concern about how the situation was handled.

The controversy has prompted renewed discussion about campaign tactics, personal privacy, and whether family history should become part of political advertising.

For Acton, the issue is not simply another campaign dispute. It involves deeply personal experiences that she says she shares in the hope that others facing hardship may find encouragement and support.