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Ramaswamy defends ad featuring opponent's estranged mother despite GOP backlash

Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is facing bipartisan criticism for an attack ad featuring his Democratic opponent Amy Acton's estranged mother, but has pledged to spend $4 million promoting it.

22 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Ramaswamy defends ad featuring opponent's estranged mother despite GOP backlash — Archive photoPhoto: Patricio101 · Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign released an attack ad in the Ohio governor's race that features the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent Amy Acton. The 60-second spot has drawn strong criticism from members of both parties, with political strategists from across the spectrum weighing in against the advertisement.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, urged Ramaswamy to remove the ad. Several other Ohio Republicans on the ballot have also spoken out against the spot, marking a notable split within the party over the campaign tactic.

Ramaswamy responded to the backlash by doubling down on his position, announcing he would spend $4 million to further promote the advertisement despite the criticism from within his own party. The candidate defended his decision to run the ad in subsequent statements.

Vice President JD Vance, a prominent Republican figure, defended Ramaswamy and praised him for the "audacity" to run the controversial ad. In Cincinnati, Vance said it was "not really my concern" whether the spot was appropriate, characterizing politics as "tough business" and stating he remained focused on supporting Republican candidates.

Former President Donald Trump also backed Ramaswamy, writing on his platform that the candidate should continue running the ad. Trump characterized the approach as "hitting pay dirt" and questioned who would not use such material in a campaign.

CNN's Scott Jennings, a Republican analyst, broke with the party consensus to criticize the ad, warning that it would "blow up" in the Republican Party's face. According to reports, the ad dredged up Acton's traumatic childhood. Ramaswamy's betting odds in the race plummeted following the ad's release.

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