Washington, October 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian-American Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign for Ohio governor is standing by a controversial attack advertisement featuring Amy Acton’s estranged birth mother, even as the Democratic candidate faces criticism over the ad’s personal allegations.
The one-minute advertisement features Donna Arthur, Acton’s birth mother, calling her “a liar”. Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed on Tuesday that it had produced the ad. Campaign spokesperson Connie Luck said Arthur had not been paid and that the campaign planned to spend $4 million promoting it on television and online.
Acton has said she was removed from her mother at the age of 12 “for severe abuse and neglect, and sexual abuse,” according to reports cited in coverage of the controversy.
The advertisement has drawn criticism from political figures and commentators. Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown called it “disgusting”, while commentator Meghan McCain described it as “dastardly”. Casey Putsch, a former Republican rival of Ramaswamy, said he would vote for Acton.
At a campaign rally in Sharonville on Wednesday, attended by US Vice President JD Vance, Ramaswamy did not directly mention Acton. Instead, he focused on his proposals for eliminating the state income tax, reducing electricity bills and property taxes, and supporting Ohio’s steel industry.
Vance defended the advertisement, saying the campaign had “told it like it is”. A heckler was removed from the rally, according to public radio reports.
Ramaswamy also took aim at Acton on X, accusing her of “hiding from debate” and claiming she “bans cameras” at her events. He shared a video titled “A strong message to Republicans” and posted a segment featuring broadcaster Megyn Kelly discussing Acton.
The controversy comes as Ohio’s November 3 general election approaches, with more than 676,000 voters reportedly having already cast ballots.
Former US President Barack Obama is scheduled to join Brown and Acton at a rally in Cleveland on October 24, reflecting Democratic efforts to mobilise support in the closely watched state.
Ramaswamy, a biotechnology entrepreneur born in Cincinnati to immigrant parents from Kerala, sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 before endorsing Donald Trump. Acton, a physician, previously led the Ohio Department of Health during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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