Amy Acton speaks out about painful childhood after attack ad featuring estranged mother

The advertisement, produced by Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign, has intensified tensions in an already bitter contest ahead of the US midterm elections. Acton has accused her opponent of exploiting her childhood trauma for political purposes.

Acton addressed the controversy during a campaign event in north-western Ohio on Wednesday, where she said she and her brother had experienced significant neglect and abuse while growing up. Her remarks came after a supporter approached her to offer comfort following the circulation of the advertisement, which has attracted widespread attention across the state. Acton said she had spoken about her childhood partly to give hope to others who might be facing difficult circumstances.

The advertisement features Arthur describing her daughter as a liar and questioning her account of her childhood. It urges voters not to elect Acton as governor. Ramaswamy confirmed that the advertisement came from his campaign and defended its use, arguing that voters should consider the allegations made against his opponent. His campaign has also announced plans to spend four million dollars promoting the advertisement.

Acton has said she and her brother were removed from their mother’s custody when she was 12, after her stepfather was accused of sexually abusing her. She has also said she has had no contact with her mother since that period. Her brother, Philip Stearns, criticised the advertisement, accusing Ramaswamy of turning the abuse his sister experienced as a child into a political issue. Court documents and historical reports have corroborated key elements of Acton’s account, according to

The advertisement has drawn criticism from several political figures, including some Republicans, who have questioned the decision to involve Acton’s estranged mother in the campaign. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine criticised the advertisement and called for it to be removed, while other prominent Republicans have also expressed objections. President Donald Trump, however, defended Ramaswamy and supported the advertisement, highlighting divisions within the Republican Party over the campaign strategy.

The dispute has added another deeply personal dimension to the race between Acton and Ramaswamy to lead Ohio, one of the largest states in the United States. The campaign has already been marked by attacks over the candidates’ records and personal histories. Acton has maintained that she wants voters to focus on the issues affecting Ohio residents, including healthcare, education and affordability, as the candidates continue their campaigns ahead of election day.