Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has seen a significant boost in campaign contributions following a controversial attack ad from her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy. The ad, which featured Acton's estranged mother calling her a "liar," has drawn sharp criticism from both parties and appears to have galvanized Democratic donors.
Acton's campaign reported a surge in donations, propelling her to second place on ActBlue's "trending campaigns" list, trailing only Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. The fundraising spike comes as the race enters its final stretch, with Acton facing a substantial spending disadvantage despite outraising Ramaswamy in direct contributions.
Ramaswamy Ad Sparks Bipartisan Outrage
The ad, which aired last week, features Acton's estranged mother warning voters not to support her daughter. Acton's campaign responded by revealing that she had been sexually abused by her stepfather as a child and that her mother remained with him until his death. Acton was removed from her mother's custody at age 12.
The personal nature of the attack drew condemnation from both sides, including Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who called the ad "deeply troubling" and urged Ramaswamy to pull it from the air. DeWine's public rebuke was echoed by other GOP figures, though not by President Trump or Vice President Vance.
Trump and Vance Defend Ramaswamy
Both Trump and Vance have rallied behind Ramaswamy, with Vance expressing disgust at Republicans who criticized the ad. Trump took to Truth Social to attack DeWine and encouraged Ramaswamy to "keep it up." The president's backing underscores the national stakes in this high-profile gubernatorial race.
Money and Momentum
Acton's fundraising email to supporters emphasized the need to counter Ramaswamy's spending advantage. "We need to send a clear message: this kind of hate and vitriol has no place in Ohio," she wrote. "But I'll be frank – we're still being outspent by a large margin, and if we allow him to dominate the airwaves for these final 12 days, we'll be at a real disadvantage on Election Day."
Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker, wife of billionaire Governor JB Pritzker, announced a $500,000 donation to Acton's campaign, saying "Ohio deserves better" than Ramaswamy. The infusion of cash could help Acton close the gap in advertising spending.
According to AdImpact, GOP-aligned groups have spent over $100 million on ads in the race, compared to $40 million from Democratic-aligned groups. Despite this, Decision Desk HQ gives Acton a 61% chance of victory.
Race Remains Competitive
The ad's backlash may have shifted momentum, with the race now tilting toward Acton. However, Ramaswamy's campaign remains well-funded and has the backing of the national Republican establishment.
Acton's campaign has used the controversy to rally supporters, arguing that Ramaswamy's tactics reveal his character. "Vivek Ramaswamy has unleashed attack ads against me that have gone too far," she said. "He's stooped so low that even Republicans are calling him out. He's showing Ohio exactly who he is: a man willing to go to despicable lows to win."
With just under two weeks until Election Day, the Ohio governor's race remains one of the most closely watched and expensive contests in the country.
