US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy after Governor Mike DeWine condemned a campaign advertisement targeting Democratic rival Amy Acton through her estranged mother.
DeWine described the advertisement as “deeply troubling” and urged Ramaswamy’s campaign to withdraw it, arguing that family members have traditionally been kept out of political attacks.
Trump took the opposite position. In a post on Truth Social, he criticised DeWine as “disloyal” to the Republican Party and encouraged Ramaswamy to continue running the advertisement.
The campaign video features Donna Arthur, Acton’s estranged mother, criticising her daughter and saying she should not become Ohio governor. Acton has said she has been separated from her mother for decades after her mother remained with a man who sexually abused Acton when she was 12.
Ramaswamy’s campaign has defended the advertisement and said it plans to spend about $4 million to broadcast it across Ohio. Campaign spokesperson Connie Luck accused Democrats and the media of applying double standards when relatives of Republican figures are used in political campaigns.
The controversy has exposed divisions among Ohio Republicans. Vice President JD Vance dismissed the criticism, saying political campaigns are tough and that Republicans should focus more on policy disagreements with Democrats.
Other senior Republicans have criticised the advertisement. Senator Jon Husted said he would not have run it, while Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said he probably would not have approved such a campaign.
Acton’s brother, Philip Stearns, also condemned the advertisement, calling it a particularly low point in the campaign and recalling the circumstances surrounding his and Acton’s removal from their mother’s custody.
Despite his criticism, DeWine said he would not withdraw his endorsement of Ramaswamy. He said he would continue supporting the Republican ticket in the November 3 midterm elections.
The dispute comes as the Ohio governor’s race remains competitive, with recent polls showing Acton ahead of Ramaswamy.
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