Denounce Ohio Republican's Disgusting New Attack Ad

Ohio Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is turning his opponent's childhood sexual abuse into political ammunition — and spending $4 million to spread the attack.

In a repulsive new campaign ad, Ramaswamy features the estranged mother of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, accusing her daughter of lying about her childhood. But the devastating truth behind their estrangement makes this attack especially disturbing.

Acton endured homelessness, neglect, and sexual abuse growing up. When she was just 12, her stepfather was arrested and indicted for raping her. She and her brother were removed from their mother's custody, and Acton has said she hasn't seen her mother since.

These are deeply painful experiences that no survivor should have to relive for a political campaign. Whatever their differences on the issues, candidates can challenge each other's records without turning childhood trauma into an cynical attack ad.

Tell Vivek Ramaswamy: Take down this disgraceful attack ad immediately and publicly apologize to Amy Acton.

The backlash has been fierce, including criticism from fellow Republicans. But instead of backing down, Ramaswamy's campaign has doubled down, confirming plans to spend $4 million broadcasting the ad online and on television.

The timing is telling. Recent polling shows Acton leading Ramaswamy in Ohio's governor's race, including a Marist poll showing her ahead by seven points. With Election Day approaching, this intensely personal attack looks like a desperate attempt to change the conversation.

Candidates should debate their records, their policies, and their plans for Ohio — not weaponize a survivor's childhood trauma or exploit her estrangement from the parent who failed to protect her.

Ramaswamy's campaign controls this ad. Public backlash can raise the pressure to withdraw it, cancel the planned advertising campaign, and acknowledge the harm. Add your name to our petition and demand that Vivek Ramaswamy stop exploiting Amy Acton's childhood trauma, take down the ad, and apologize.

The petition to Vivek Ramaswamy reads:

"Immediately withdraw your campaign's attack ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother, cancel all planned broadcasts and paid distribution, and issue a public apology to Amy Acton. Childhood sexual abuse and family trauma should never be exploited for political gain."