Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign confirmed launching a $4 million ad buy featuring Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton. In the video, Arthur accuses Acton of lying about her childhood abuse and homelessness. Acton and her brother Philip Stearns condemned the spot, noting Acton was removed from Arthur's custody at age 12 following her stepfather's indictment for rape. The ad sparked intense bipartisan backlash, even as a Marist poll showed Acton leading 50% to 43%.
Ramaswamy ad campaign details
- ▪Vivek Ramaswamy's Ohio gubernatorial campaign confirmed on October 20, 2026, that it produced an attack ad featuring Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton.
- ▪In the Ramaswamy campaign ad, Donna Arthur calls her daughter Amy Acton a liar and disputes Acton's account of growing up in a tent.
- ▪Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign announced a $4 million ad buy to air the attack spot featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother on television and streaming platforms leading up to Election Day.
- ▪Ramaswamy campaign spokesperson Connie Luck stated that Donna Arthur was not compensated for appearing in the campaign ad.
- ▪The video originally circulated online without a required campaign disclosure tag after political blogger D.J. Byrnes obtained it from a voter who recorded it during a poll.
Acton family response and Background
- ▪Amy Acton was sexually abused at age 12 by her stepfather Cledith Arthur, who was indicted for rape in September before fleeing as a fugitive.
- ▪Amy Acton stated that Vivek Ramaswamy exploited an unwell, older person and demonstrated a lifelong pattern of lobbing personal attacks against political opponents.
- ▪Amy Acton's brother Philip Stearns stated that Donna Arthur remained married to Acton's abuser until his death and condemned Vivek Ramaswamy for turning childhood abuse into a political talking point.
Reactions and political fallout from ad
- ▪Former GOP primary rival Casey Putsch announced he would cross party lines to vote for Democrat Amy Acton in response to Vivek Ramaswamy's attack ad.
- ▪Prominent figures including Democratic Senate nominee Sherrod Brown, former GOP primary rival Casey Putsch, and conservative commentator Meghan McCain condemned Vivek Ramaswamy's ad.
- ▪Donald Trump Jr. and influencer Laura Loomer defended and promoted the viral video featuring Donna Arthur on social media.
Marist poll results on gubernatorial race
- ▪The Marist survey found that 49% of respondents expect Vivek Ramaswamy to win the election compared to 45% who expect Amy Acton to win.
- ▪A mid-October 2026 Marist survey showed Amy Acton leading Vivek Ramaswamy 50% to 43% among likely voters in the Ohio gubernatorial race.
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