Vance Backs Ramaswamy Ad and Urges GOP to Focus on Midterms
Vice President JD Vance defended a Ramaswamy campaign ad that uses Amy Acton’s estranged mother to attack her, telling Republicans to stop complaining. The ad has drawn bipartisan criticism because Acton has accused her late stepfather of sexual abuse. Vance said the ad’s appropriateness matters less to him than winning elections.
Ramaswamy’s spot centers on Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton. Acton has said her late stepfather sexually abused her; her mother lost custody and remained with her husband. The advertisement labels Acton untrustworthy and has prompted criticism from both parties.
Vance made his remarks during an Ohio press conference and later at a Ramaswamy rally. He said the ad’s propriety mattered less to him than who would govern, and he criticized Republicans who objected. He also suggested, without evidence, that Acton’s 2020 resignation as state health director might be tied to alcohol.
The ad and Vance’s response could intensify concerns about personal attacks in campaigns, potentially affecting how voters judge candidates and how parties handle controversial messaging. It may also discourage people with histories of abuse from seeking office or speaking publicly, while sharpening partisan disputes over whether winning elections justifies harsh tactics. Ohio voters and national political observers may see the episode as a test of party accountability.