Some Republicans have distanced themselves from Vivek Ramaswamy following criticism of a controversial advertisement targeting his Democratic opponent in the Ohio governor’s race.
Vice President JD Vance was unequivocal in condemning fellow Republicans who criticized the ad campaign. “Politics is a tough business, and my message to my fellow elected Republicans is if you actually believe in the things you say you believe in, stop whining about an advertisement and go win the race,” he stated during a speech at the Cincinnati FBI field office in Sycamore Township.
The ad features the mother of Democrat Amy Acton describing her as a liar and urging Ohioans not to vote for her. Ramaswamy later acknowledged his campaign produced the advertisement. Acton’s campaign has labeled the ad “repulsive,” characterized her mother as “abusive,” and referred to Ramaswamy as “a scam artist.” The candidate has made her alleged experiences with a dysfunctional and abusive childhood a central theme of her campaign.
Vance emphasized his focus on who would govern Ohio rather than the ad’s appropriateness. He criticized Republicans for prioritizing complaints over broader Democratic actions, noting: “People have called Vivek Ramaswamy a murderer in some ads run against him.” He also highlighted that Democrats frequently use family members to attack opponents without restraint.
“How many times have we seen advertisements using his family members, estranged family members, to go after the president of the United States?” Vance asked.
The vice president concluded by urging Republicans: “stop whining about an advertisement and go win the race in 13 days.” He later joined Ramaswamy on a campaign tour in Cincinnati.
