Ramaswamy Ad Featuring Rival's Estranged Mother Sparks Backlash in Ohio Governor Race

Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for Ohio governor, drew widespread criticism on Wednesday after his campaign released an advertisement centered on Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Democratic rival Amy Acton. Acton has had no contact with Arthur since childhood, a period during which she accused her then-stepfather of sexually abusing her over several years; the man was later charged with raping Acton as a child. In the spot, Arthur asserts that her daughter has "lied her entire life" and warns voters against supporting her, saying that anyone who believes Acton would improve their lives is deceiving themselves. The ad's use of a family member estranged from the candidate, and its invocation of a childhood abuse case, prompted the firestorm of condemnation that followed its release. Acton is seeking the Democratic nomination for Ohio governor; Ramaswamy is running on the Republican side.