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Trump campaign merchandise displayed at an outdoor market, shown in an illustrative image.
Vance Defends Ramaswamy’s Attack Ad in Ohio Governor Race
SHARONVILLE, Ohio — October 21, 2026
US Vice President JD Vance has defended a controversial campaign advertisement released by Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, despite criticism that the ad uses a family dispute over Democratic rival Amy Acton’s childhood to attack her credibility.
The advertisement features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, disputing her daughter’s account of childhood hardship and sexual abuse. Arthur, whom Acton says she has not seen since 1978, urges voters not to support her daughter in the November 3 election.
Acton has said she was sexually abused by her stepfather when she was 12. Her mother remained with the man, who was charged with rape but left the state before he could face trial. He died in 2004. Acton’s brother, Philip Stearns, has supported her account.
The advertisement first appeared on social media on Tuesday without identifying who had produced it. Ramaswamy’s campaign later acknowledged responsibility and said it would spend $4 million promoting the ad.
Vance defended the campaign during an appearance with Ramaswamy and Republican US Senator Jon Husted on Wednesday. He argued that voters should assess the claims made in political advertisements and focus on what he described as the facts.
The response came as criticism of the advertisement grew. Stearns called it a desperate and offensive attack, while Acton campaign spokesperson Addie Bullock criticized Ramaswamy for choosing to promote it.
Ramaswamy’s campaign spokesperson, Connie Luck, said the campaign did not know what had happened between Acton and her mother but accused Acton of repeatedly making false statements. The campaign did not provide further details in the statement quoted in the report.
The dispute has raised concerns about the possible political consequences of the advertisement for Republicans beyond the governor’s race. Political analysts said the backlash could affect other candidates in Ohio, where Republicans have gained ground in recent years.
Polling cited in the report showed Acton narrowly ahead of Ramaswamy. David Cohen, a political science professor at the University of Akron, described the decision to run the advertisement as a serious campaign mistake and said it could discourage some Republican voters from turning out.
The controversy could also affect the state’s Senate contest. Husted, who is running for the US Senate, said he would not have approved the advertisement. Polls cited in the report showed him trailing Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown in a race that could influence control of the Senate.
With Election Day approaching, the reaction to the advertisement has added another point of tension to Ohio’s closely contested races, although its ultimate effect on voter behavior remains uncertain.
