An Ohio gubernatorial candidate has shared a statement from her brother responding to a video in which their estranged mother urges voters not to elect her. Dr. Amy Acton posted the remarks from Philip Stearns, who criticized Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy for platforming the mother and referenced childhood sexual abuse by the mother’s husband when Acton was 12. The exchange has drawn wide attention online amid the state’s closely watched race.
The post consists of an image of a statement released by Acton’s brother, Philip Stearns. The statement criticizes Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy for what it describes as an effort to platform their estranged mother in connection with the race.
Stearns’ statement references sexual abuse that Acton has said she experienced at age 12 from their birth mother’s husband. It states that after the man was arrested and the children were removed from custody, the mother remained married to him until his death. The remarks call the use of the mother a “desperate, disgusting attack” and describe Ramaswamy as “a pathetic excuse for a man who is willing to hurt anyone as long as it gets him what he wants.”
The statement responds to a video circulating online in which a woman identifying herself as Donna Arthur, Acton’s mother, calls her daughter a “liar,” disputes claims of childhood homelessness, and urges Ohio voters not to elect her. Multiple outlets, including The Hill and Newsweek, have reported that it is not clear who produced or paid for the video.
Acton has previously described her childhood in a 2019 interview with The Youngstown Vindicator, including accounts of abuse, neglect, and periods of homelessness.
Responses to the Statement in the Ohio Governor’s Race
Some users on X expressed support for Stearns’ account and criticized the use of the mother. One wrote, “I’m sorry you went through that as a child.”
Another said, “Jesus wtf …*expletive* Vivek.” A third commented, “Vivek is just more of the same, divisive brand of Donald Trump political theatre. He doesn’t bat an eye at turning someone’s estranged mother into an attack ad if it means gaining more power.”
Others focused on the mother’s statements. One user wrote, “Her own mother says don’t vote for Amy. What does that tell you???”
Another said, “I think the mother knows best.” A further comment described Acton and her brother as liars.
Coverage beyond X reflected similar divisions. Alternet reported that Pod Save America host Jon Favreau called the approach “despicable beyond words.”
The exchange has become part of the wider online discussion surrounding the Ohio governor’s race. With Election Day approaching, the claims and responses continue to circulate among voters and observers.
