- Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign confirmed it produced a controversial ad featuring the estranged birth mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton in the Ohio governor's race, escalating a deeply personal political battle in the contest's final weeks.
- The video features Acton's birth mother accusing her of being a liar, despite public records and family statements confirming that Acton and her brother were removed from her custody in 1978 following severe childhood neglect and sexual abuse by their stepfather.
- Acton strongly condemned Ramaswamy for exploiting her childhood trauma, calling his personal attacks part of a lifelong pattern, while her campaign released a video from her brother detailing the abuse they endured and criticizing Ramaswamy's team for using their painful past.
- The advertisement sparked widespread bipartisan backlash, leading prominent Democrats to label it disgusting and prompting former Republican primary opponent Casey Putsch to announce he will be voting for Acton in response to the ad.
- Despite facing intense criticism from both parties, Ramaswamy's campaign spokesperson defended the video, stating that Acton's mother was not paid for her appearance and confirming plans to stream the ad online and broadcast it on television.
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