# Republicans Call Out Vivek Ramaswamy Over Amy Acton Ad

> Republicans condemn Vivek Ramaswamy's ad targeting Amy Acton's past abuse claims.
- Title: Republicans Call Out Vivek Ramaswamy Over Amy Acton Ad
- Summary: Republicans condemn Vivek Ramaswamy's ad targeting Amy Acton's past abuse claims. Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy faces backlash…
- Keywords: vivek ramaswamy, amy acton, ohio gubernatorial race, republican party, political ad, child sexual abuse, election day, Republicans, Call, Vivek, Ramaswamy, Amy
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/republicans-call-out-vivek-ramaswamy-over-amy-acton-ad-12600809
- Published: 2026-10-21T18:30:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: vivek ramaswamy, amy acton, ohio gubernatorial race, republican party, political ad, child sexual abuse, election day
## Republican Criticism of Ad
Prominent Republicans criticized Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over an attack ad featuring Amy Acton's mother.

> A number of prominent republicans have criticized ohio gubernatorial candidate vivek ramaswamy and his campaign over an attack ad featuring the estranged mother of his democratic rival, amy acton.
## Ad Content and Claims
The ad claims Amy Acton lied about growing up in a tent and has a history of lying throughout her life.

> She lies about her past. She says she grew up living in a tent. None of that is true. She’s lied her entire life.
## Background on Amy Acton
Amy Acton, former Ohio Department of Health director, faced childhood sexual abuse and homelessness, with her family living in a tent.

> Acton, former director of the ohio department of health, has been open about facing sexual abuse and homelessness during her childhood.
## Campaign Response
Ramaswamy's campaign called Acton a serial fabulist with serious problems with the truth.

> We know that amy acton is a serial fabulist who has some serious problems with the truth that the public needs to be aware of before deciding who to entrust as governor.
## Acton's Campaign Response
Acton's brother criticized Ramaswamy for turning childhood sexual abuse into a political talking point.

> This desperate, disgusting attack reveals exactly who vivek ramaswamy is at his core, a pathetic excuse for a man who is willing to hurt anyone as long as it gets him what he wants.
## Cross-Party Backlash
The ad drew criticism from Republicans, including former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Democratic strategist Paul Begala.

> Just seeing what we tried to tell everyone back then. He’s a bad guy. It’s a shame he continues to get away with it.
## Columbus Dispatch Endorsement
The Columbus Dispatch editorial board endorsed Acton over Ramaswamy, calling the ad 'revolting and unsettling'.

> It should go without saying that sexual violence against children should not be politicized or taken as lightly as ramaswamy appears to take it.
## Republican Defections
Some Republicans, including Casey Putsch, crossed party lines to support Acton.

> I’m a republican, but i’m crossing party lines to vote for amy and end vivek’s political future in america.
## Polling Impact
Polls show Ramaswamy's lead has shrunk, with Acton now a 79 percent favorite on prediction markets.

> Acton has soared to a 79 percent favorite on polymarket, up from 72 percent a week ago and a trailing 49 percent back in august.
## Election Timeline
Ohio voters will choose a new governor on November 3 with early voting starting October 6.

> Early in-person voting began october 6, along with absentee voting. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the county boards of elections by october 27.
## Key takeaway

Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy faces backlash after airing an ad featuring Amy Acton's mother calling her a liar about her childhood.