Libertarian gubernatorial nominee Don Kissick has called on Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to withdraw from Ohio’s gubernatorial race in response to a controversial campaign advertisement featuring the estranged mother of Democratic nominee Amy Acton.
Kissick made the demand Wednesday, October 21, at a news conference in Ottawa, which he organized following the release of the advertisement on social media. According to WLIO, which covered the conference, Kissick called on the Ramaswamy to suspend his campaign, stop broadcasting the ad, and apologize to Acton and her family.
“I believe this conduct falls far short of the standard Ohioans should expect from a governor,” Kissick is quoted by WLIO as saying. “I believe it demonstrates a profound failure of judgment, and I believe that a person seeking to lead all Ohioans must understand that some things matter more than winning an election.”
The advertisement began circulating on X earlier this week. In the 60-second spot, Donna Arthur, introducing herself as Amy Acton’s mother, accuses her daughter of repeatedly lying about her childhood and personal history, including her claims of having experienced homelessness and lived in a tent. Arthur further states that Acton needs help before she can help Ohioans, calling into question her fitness to serve as governor.
“Don’t vote for people who lie. Don’t let her become your governor,” Arthur said in the video. “If you think she’ll make your life better, you’re fooling yourself. It will only get worse.”
Soon after the advertisement began circulating online, public attention turned to Acton’s relationship with her mother, from whom she and her younger brother, Philip Stearns, have been estranged since childhood. In a statement released by the Acton campaign, Stearns said that he and his sister were removed from their mother’s custody after their stepfather, Cledith Arthur, was arrested for sexually abusing Acton when she was 12. Their mother remained married to Arthur until his death.
Those claims are supported by National Review, which obtained and reviewed court documents following the initial controversy, further reporting that Arthur fled prosecution after being indicted. Ramaswamy has since acknowledged that his campaign was responsible for the advertisement’s production. His campaign also confirmed a $4 million advertising purchase to promote it statewide.
In addition to denouncing Ramaswamy for his involvement in the advertisement, Kissick also called out the Republican nominee for what he said was a failure to follow through on an earlier agreement to debate him.
“I am ready to debate,” Kissick said. “[…] I’m ready to defend my ideas in front of the people of Ohio. I ask nothing more than the same willingness from my opponents.”
Even if Ramaswamy were to withdraw from the race, ballots have already been printed featuring his name alongside Acton and Kissick. Early voting has been underway in Ohio since October 6.
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