Full Breakdown
Trump-backed Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Newspaper Rejection Over Attack Ad
By Drooid · · How we work
The Plain Dealer Endorses Democrat Amy Acton
The editorial board of *The Plain Dealer*, Ohio’s largest newspaper, announced on Sunday that it will endorse Democratic candidate Amy Acton for governor, breaking its recent policy of abstaining from endorsements.
Campaign Context and Reactions
Republican biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, released a 60-second ad that featured Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, accusing the candidate of lying about her childhood. The ad omitted the background of Acton’s removal from her mother’s custody after alleged abuse by a stepfather. After criticism, the campaign issued a shortened 30-second version that removed the mother’s footage.
Ramaswamy defended the ad as a record of “consistent lies” by Acton.
Official Statements & Responses
*The Plain Dealer* editorial condemned both the ad and Ramaswamy’s refusal to discuss policy positions. Ramaswamy’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Some Ohio Republicans announced they would not vote for Ramaswamy or Acton, arguing the ad undermines the GOP’s Senate candidate Jon Husted’s chances. Darlene Yost, the wife of former Ohio attorney general Dave Yost, posted on X:
- “If one must sell one’s soul and reject decency to be elected to office in Ohio, then I praise my Savior and Protector that @ohiogop pushed Dave out of the race a year before the primary,” — Darlene Yost, former ohio attorney
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wouldn’t have told him to put out that ad,” — Trump’s MAGA — Henry Nickel, MAGA supporter who has been canvassing in Youngstown.
- “If one must sell one’s soul and reject decency to be elected to office in Ohio, then I praise my Savior and Protector that @ohiogop pushed Dave out of the race a year before the primary,” — Darlene Yost, former ohio attorney — Darlene Yost, former Ohio attorney.