Attack Ad Features Acton's Estranged Mother
Source reports published 21 Oct 2026, 8:39 am – 12:09 pm AEST
A new attack ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, alleges Acton is a liar regarding her past. The ad has drawn criticism from Acton and her campaign, and was funded by Vivek Ramaswamy.
What happened
- Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign launched an attack ad utilizing Donna Arthur, Acton’s estranged mother, who stated Acton is a liar regarding her past.
- Arthur’s claims center around accusations that Acton’s stepfather, Cledith Arthur, raped Acton when she was between 10 and 12 years old.
- Court records show Cledith Arthur was charged with the alleged assault in 1978 and entered a not guilty plea.
- Donna and Cledith Arthur subsequently moved to Pennsylvania and Cledith Arthur died in 2004.
- The campaign states that Acton last saw her mother in 1978.
- Ramaswamy’s backers have launched other personal attacks against Acton, who has been leading in polls.
- Connie Luck, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy, stated that they do not know the details of Acton’s relationship with her mother, but that Acton is a ‘serial fabulist’.
Original reporting
- CBS News: Ohio governor's race takes ugly turn with attack ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother
2026-10-20T22:39:00+00:00 - Washington Examiner: Ramaswamy pours $4 million into ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother
2026-10-21T02:09:10+00:00