The Cleveland Plain Dealer threw its support behind Democrat Amy Acton in Ohio's gubernatorial race on Sunday, breaking with its earlier decision to skip endorsements in the state's top contests. The newspaper's editorial board cited Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial campaign ad as a key factor, accusing him of exploiting Acton's childhood sexual abuse for political gain.
"Vivek Ramaswamy, seeking the highest office in this state, has produced a campaign advertisement that weaponizes the sexual abuse his opponent, Amy Acton, suffered as a child," the board wrote. The endorsement marks a significant reversal for the Plain Dealer, which in September had announced it would focus on down-ballot races, particularly judicial contests, and had left the Senate and gubernatorial races off its endorsement list.
The board explained its change of heart: "We made our endorsement policy to serve our readers. We cannot let it become a reason to remain silent when we believe Ohio faces a choice this consequential." It added that Acton's record and preparation earned her consideration independent of Ramaswamy's ad, but the ad itself revealed "a failure of judgment that Ohio cannot afford in its governor."
The ad in question, released last week, features Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, calling her daughter a "liar" and suggesting she had mental health issues. Ramaswamy confirmed his campaign was behind the ad. The spot omits context: Acton was removed from her mother's custody at age 12 after her stepfather was charged with sexually abusing her. Acton has said she last saw her mother in court the day her stepfather was taken into custody.
The backlash has been swift. President Trump, however, has defended Ramaswamy, writing on Truth Social that the ad "took a lot of courage" and that he would "hit pay dirt" with it. But other conservatives, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), have condemned the ad and called for it to be pulled.
The endorsement could shift momentum in a race that has tightened. The Cook Political Report recently moved the Ohio governor's contest to Lean Democrat following the ad backlash. Acton, a former state health director who gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, has emphasized her public health background and commitment to working families. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, has positioned himself as a Trump-aligned outsider.
The Plain Dealer's endorsement is notable not only for its content but for its break from precedent. The paper's editorial board had explicitly opted out of the state's marquee races, a decision that drew criticism from readers who expected guidance on the top of the ticket. Sunday's move suggests the board felt the stakes had risen too high to stay silent.
Acton's campaign welcomed the endorsement, calling it a "powerful rebuke" of Ramaswamy's tactics. Ramaswamy's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. With the election approaching, the race remains one of the most closely watched in the country, and the endorsement could energize Democratic voters in a state that has trended Republican in recent cycles.
