NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 24, 2026Miami-Dade County
Vivek Ramaswamy launches Ohio bus tour amid party fallout over political ad targeting Dr. Amy Acton
Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed
Biotech billionaire and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy began a statewide bus tour across Ohio on Friday while defending a $4 million campaign ad featuring his Democratic opponent Dr. Amy Acton's estranged mother. The ad has drawn public condemnation from every living full-term governor of Ohio, including former Republican Govs. Bob Taft and Mike DeWine, over its personal attacks. Ramaswamy has defended the spot, maintaining support from figures like President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The $4 million ad campaign and subsequent Republican party infighting highlight deep divisions within the state's leadership as candidates navigate tight races for governor and the U.S. Senate.
Key Facts
- Vivek Ramaswamy launched a statewide bus tour across Ohio with fellow Republicans on Friday.
- Ramaswamy's gubernatorial campaign is running a $4 million ad featuring Dr. Amy Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who criticizes Acton.
- Every living full-term governor of Ohio—two Democrats and three Republicans—has spoken out against the ad.
- Former Republican Gov. Bob Taft joined fellow GOP Gov. Mike DeWine in urging Ramaswamy to stop airing the ad.
- U.S. Sen. Jon Husted stated he would not have run the ad, despite sharing a stage with Vice President JD Vance, who supports Ramaswamy's campaign.
- President Donald Trump advised Ramaswamy to continue running the ad, calling it 'hitting pay dirt.'
- Police and court documents show Cledith Arthur was arrested and charged with raping his stepdaughter, then 12-year-old Amy Acton, in July 1978; he later became a fugitive and has since died.
- Dr. Amy Acton has condemned the ad, stating she will not normalize attacks on her childhood.
Who's Mentioned
PersonSherrod Brown“Former U.S. Senator and Democratic opponent.”locationCleveland“Suburban location where Ramaswamy defended the ad.”PersonWilliam Howard Taft“Former U.S. President and great-grandfather of Bob Taft.”PersonJD Vance“Vice President backing Ramaswamy's campaign.”locationOhio“State where the bus tour and political campaigns are taking place.”PersonDonna Arthur“Estranged mother of Dr. Amy Acton featured in the campaign ad.”PersonVivek Ramaswamy“Biotech billionaire and gubernatorial candidate embarking on an Ohio bus tour.”locationPa.“State abbreviation for Pennsylvania.”PersonDr. Amy Acton“Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Ohio state health director.”PersonJon Husted“U.S. Senator and candidate navigating GOP feuds.”PersonMax Miller“U.S. Representative facing a congressional ethics investigation.”locationIowa“Location of Donald Trump's campaign rally.”PersonBrian Poindexter“Democratic union ironworker and local councilman seeking to unseat Max Miller.”PersonCatalini“Associated Press reporter based in Morrisville, Pa.”PersonCledith Arthur“Stepfather of Dr. Amy Acton arrested in 1978 for rape.”PersonBernie Moreno“U.S. Senator and former father-in-law of Max Miller.”PersonMike DeWine“Governor of Ohio who previously urged Ramaswamy to cease airing the ad.”locationMorrisville“Location of reporting staff.”PersonDonald Trump“President advising Ramaswamy on the campaign ad.”PersonBob Taft“GOP former Governor of Ohio criticizing the ad.”PersonScott Spears“Marion radio show host.”locationMarion“Radio show location.”