DeWine condemns Ramaswamy ad, Trump defends it
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called for the removal of a controversial ad by Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, which features the estranged mother of Democratic rival Amy Acton. The ad, costing $4 million, accuses Acton of lying about her upbringing. While DeWine condemned the spot as 'deeply troubling,' he maintained his endorsement of the full Republican ticket. President Donald Trump defended the ad, urging Ramaswamy to keep it running, and criticized DeWine for his stance. Ramaswamy’s campaign refused to pull the ad, citing double standards in political advertising.
Key points
- DeWine called the ad 'deeply, deeply troubling' but did not rescind his endorsement of Ramaswamy or the GOP ticket.
- The ad features Donna Arthur, Acton’s estranged mother, accusing her daughter of lying about her upbringing.
- Acton has not spoken to her mother since age 12, after her stepfather was charged with raping her.
- Trump defended the ad on Truth Social, calling Acton a 'liar' and criticizing DeWine for his comments.
- Ramaswamy’s campaign refused to take down the ad, spending nearly $95,000 to air it so far.
Background
The Ohio governor’s race between Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy has been marked by intense negativity. DeWine, a former health director under Acton, has spoken favorably of her. The controversy follows earlier attacks, including an Acton ad accusing Ramaswamy’s mother of a 'pump and dump' scheme, which PolitiFact called 'mostly false.'
How outlets are covering it
DeWine and several Republicans, including former Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Jon Husted, condemned the ad as inappropriate. Trump and VP JD Vance defended it, with Vance calling critics 'whiners.' Ramaswamy’s campaign argued Democrats use family members in ads, while Acton called the ad 'exploitative.'
Why it matters
The ad highlights the deepening divisions within the Republican Party and the potential impact of personal attacks on the outcome of a close Ohio governor’s race, which could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
What to watch
The ad will continue airing through Election Day on November 3. Ramaswamy’s campaign plans to spend $4 million on the ad. DeWine will maintain his endorsement of the Republican ticket. Acton will likely respond with further counter-attacks.
- DeWine says Ramaswamy should take down controversial ad, campaign says it's not The Columbus Dispatch
- Trump defends Ramaswamy ad with Acton's estranged mom after bipartisan criticism CNBC
- Trump attacks Ohio governor over call for Ramaswamy to drop ‘deeply troubling’ ad The Guardian
- Ohio’s Republican Governor Calls on Ramaswamy to Take Down Attack Ad The New York Times
- Vivek Ramaswamy Sinks to a New Low Bloomberg.com
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