Ohio Gubernatorial Race Heats Up Amid Controversial Campaign Ad

Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy faced a significant decline in prediction market odds on Tuesday. This occurred following backlash from a video involving the mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton. On prediction site Kalshi, Acton’s chances of winning rose to 76 percent. By 4 p.m. ET, Ramaswamy’s odds fell to 26.8 percent. Polymarket also posted a low of 30 percent for Ramaswamy, which dropped to 22 percent by 4:19 p.m. ET.

The video features Donna Arthur, Amy Acton’s long-estranged mother, accusing Acton of lying about Ramaswamy and her childhood. Arthur claims, “Amy has a serious problem; she is a liar.” The video, posted by journalist Walter Curt, reached over 5 million views and more than 9,000 reposts.

These assertions are allegations and have not been independently confirmed. Reports describe Acton’s childhood as unstable. According to Spectrum News, Acton was removed from her birth mother’s care at age 12. She lived in approximately 18 homes and spent a winter in a tent. The video does not specify when it was made or who funded it.

Ramaswamy took responsibility for the ad, saying, “It is an ad from our campaign.” He emphasized wanting to discuss substantive issues affecting Ohioans, accusing Acton of avoiding debates.

A statement from Acton’s campaign manager, Philip Stearns, condemned the ad as a personal attack. He accused Ramaswamy of exploiting Acton’s childhood experience for political gain. Newsweek contacted Ramaswamy’s campaign for comment.

As the video circulated, opponents criticized the ad. Connie Luck from Ramaswamy’s campaign defended him, saying, “We don’t know what happened between Amy and her mother, but Amy Acton is a serial fabulist.” Luck argued Ohioans need a governor who addresses rising costs.

Vivek Ramaswamy accepted debate invitations and is prepared to defend his record. His spokesperson pointed to Acton barring cameras from events as evidence of evasion.

Conservative commentator Meghan McCain criticized the ad as “dastardly.” Lydia Mihalik, of the Ohio Department of Development, agreed, stating political parties should remain decent. James Fishback, a Republican and former candidate, declared on social media that Acton will win. Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown condemned the ad, urging leaders to decry it.

In response, Acton’s campaign released an ad featuring her brother, defending her and criticizing Ramaswamy’s leadership capabilities.

Amidst the backlash, some, like Laura Loomer, supported Ramaswamy. She dismissed the negative prediction market data as “fake news.”

Current Polling

Recent polling data shows mixed results. Acton leads in most polls. The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rate the race as a toss-up.

An ActiVote poll placed Ramaswamy slightly ahead with 51.4 percent over Acton’s 48.6 percent. Conducted from September 27 to October 19, it involved 400 likely voters with a 4.9 percent margin of error.

A Marist poll gave Acton 50 percent to Ramaswamy’s 43 percent, with 3 percent undecided. The poll surveyed 1,176 likely voters from October 15 to October 18 with a 4.5 percent margin of error.

The Bowling Green State University Democracy and Public Policy Network/YouGov survey showed Acton leading with 50 percent to Ramaswamy’s 44 percent. Conducted from September 29 to October 9, the survey included 1,000 likely voters with a 3.95 percent margin of error.