Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inRiley HoffmanWednesday 04 November 2026 01:03 GMTAmy Acton responds after Trump-backed Ramaswamy attack ad using her estranged motherRepublican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton are competing in the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election to succeed term-limited Governor Mike DeWine.Acton is targeting traditionally Republican regions as Democrats seek to win the Ohio governor's office for the first time since 2006.The campaign gained national attention after Ramaswamy aired an ad featuring Acton's birth mother, who called the governor hopeful a liar and implied she has mental health issues.Acton, Ohio's former public health director, has previously been open about surviving childhood homelessness and abuse before her mother lost custody.Ramaswamy has stood by the controversial advertisement while promoting his platform as a biotech entrepreneur focused on expanding American energy.In full2026 Midterm elections live updates: Trump’s agenda at stake as results begin to roll in to decide House and SenateMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in