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Politics · October 20, 2026

Mother of Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate calls her 'liar' in scathing video

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A video featuring Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, has surfaced two weeks before the election. In the clip, Arthur calls her daughter a 'liar' and disputes Acton's claims of a childhood spent in poverty and living in a tent. Acton’s campaign and her brother, Philip Stearns, swiftly denounced the video, accusing Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy of platforming an 'abusive mother' who allegedly remained married to Acton’s childhood rapist. While the Acton campaign attributes the attack to Ramaswamy, there is currently no public confirmation of who produced or financed the ad, and the Ramaswamy campaign has not officially commented. The race is currently considered a toss-up.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • A video was released featuring Donna Arthur calling her daughter, Amy Acton, a liar.
  • Donna Arthur specifically disputed Acton's claims of living in a tent during her childhood.
  • Amy Acton and her mother have been estranged for many years.
  • Acton’s brother, Philip Stearns, released a statement defending Acton and condemning the video.
  • The video does not contain a formal disclaimer or attribution identifying its financial backer.
  • The election for Ohio Governor between Acton and Ramaswamy is less than two weeks away.

Reported by only some outlets

  • RealClearPolitics polling averages cited range from a 1-point lead for Ramaswamy to a 3.7-point lead for Acton.
  • Philip Stearns claimed their mother remained married to Acton's rapist until his death.
  • Donna Arthur claimed to have worked with the Children and Family Service Association.
  • Donna Arthur alleged that Acton's sexual assault accusations were a custody ploy by Acton's biological father.
  • Ramaswamy's allies have previously insinuated that Acton has an issue with alcohol.
  • Acton has previously called Ramaswamy a 'serial liar' and 'scam artist'.

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