Acton Denounces Ad Using Estranged Mother in Ohio Governor Race
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton criticized an attack ad that features her estranged mother, Donna Arthur. The ad, which began appearing on social media without a funding disclaimer, has been promoted by Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign with a planned $4 million buy. Acton said the spot repeats a pattern of personal attacks and defended her account of childhood abuse and homelessness.
The spot surfaced on social media Monday night without a disclaimer identifying its payer. Acton’s mother, Donna Arthur, has been estranged from her for almost five decades; their last meeting occurred at a court proceeding after Acton’s stepfather was charged. He died in 2004.
Ramaswamy’s campaign said it would put $4 million behind the one-minute video, which is set for online streaming and television. A spokesperson said Arthur was not compensated. Acton tied the ad to what she called a recurring pattern of personal attacks from her opponent.
The ad could intensify scrutiny of how personal trauma is used in campaigns, potentially affecting voters’ trust and the willingness of abuse survivors to discuss their histories publicly. It may also draw attention to disclosure rules for online political advertising, since the spot initially lacked a funding disclaimer. Ohio voters, Acton’s family, and advocacy groups focused on abuse and homelessness may be particularly attentive, though the race’s polling suggests the immediate electoral effect remains uncertain.