A political attack ad featuring Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton has intensified divisions among Ohio Republicans. Governor Mike DeWine has condemned the advertisement and called for its removal, while Senator Jon Husted stated he would not have endorsed it. In contrast, Vice President J.D. Vance defended the ad and urged fellow Republicans to “stop whining” over the backlash.
The ad includes critical remarks from Acton’s estranged mother and has raised numerous questions due to Acton’s history of childhood homelessness and abuse. Acton’s mother lost custody of her children after her husband was indicted on rape charges involving Acton.
Vance’s defense of the ad has drawn criticism from within his own party. The schism is particularly noteworthy as it positions one of Ohio’s top Republican elected officials against the campaign of his party’s nominee just weeks before Election Day. Politico reported that the growing backlash could significantly influence the gubernatorial race.
Former President Donald Trump’s stance on the ad shifted quickly; he initially claimed on October 21 that he was unaware of it but later offered his support for Ramaswamy on social media, praising him as “a brilliant and outstanding person.”
Democrats have responded with strong condemnation, viewing the ad as a direct attack on a sexual assault survivor. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) labeled the ad “a new low,” while Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) described it as “one of the most despicable things I’ve ever seen in politics.” Other Democratic leaders echoed this sentiment, calling the portrayal of Acton “disgusting” and “unfit for anyone seeking public office.”
The Republican response has been mixed. While some, like Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), recognized the underlying abuse but refrained from directly commenting on the ad, Vance has continued to urge support for Ramaswamy and Husted without addressing the controversial content of the ad itself.
The ongoing fallout from this advertisement remains a critical issue as candidates head into the final stretch of the campaign. The public’s reaction and its potential impact on the Ohio governor’s race will be closely monitored leading up to the election.
