CLEVELAND — Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton advised ABC Information in an interview Saturday that she hopes President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance will “take a look at the info” of the abuse she says she endured as a toddler after they defended an assault advert made by GOP nominee Vivek Ramaswamy’s marketing campaign.
Bipartisan backlash has hit Ramaswamy’s marketing campaign, after the discharge of the advert that includes Acton’s estranged mom who Acton says stood by the person who was criminally charged with sexually abusing her as a toddler. Acton mentioned she hasn’t seen her mom since she was 12 years previous.
Within the advert, Acton’s mom, Donna Arthur, mentioned Acton has lied about her previous, although it does not point out the allegations of sexual abuse.
Amy Acton, Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio, speaks at a marketing campaign rally in Cleveland, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
Sue Ogrocki/AP Picture
In response to Trump and Vance who’ve doubled down on and defended the advert, Acton advised ABC Information, “My job is to work with anybody on any aspect of the aisle to resolve issues as an alternative of constructing them, and I might say I do hope they might take a look at the info.”
Acton spoke to ABC Information after a rally in Cleveland with former President Barack Obama.
Acton has alleged her mom’s second husband molested her between the ages of 9 and 12. Costs had been filed towards her stepfather, and Acton testified towards him. He pleaded not responsible, however fled the state earlier than trial and by no means appeared earlier than a decide. He died in 2004.
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton arrives for a rally forward of the midterm elections in Cleveland, Ohio, US, October 24, 2026.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Acton mentioned she and her brother endured “excessive baby abuse and neglect” of their childhood.
“We had been frequent flyers in youngsters’s providers … There are info on this case: a grand jury indictment, fugitive out towards bail, and that habits went on and on,” Acton mentioned.
Talking to reporters this week in regards to the advert, Trump dismissed questions in regards to the allegations of Acton’s sexual abuse, asserting at a number of factors that the advert has “nothing to do” with Acton’s stepfather.
Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, joins different republicans at a rally on the annual Circleville Pumpkin Present on October 23, 2026 in Circleville, Ohio.
Spencer Platt/Getty Pictures
Equally, Vance advised rally attendees in Ohio earlier this week that he’s “just a little bit disgusted after I see Republicans throughout the nation who’re whining extra about that commercial than they’re about what the congressional Democrats and different Democrats wish to do to america of America.”
GOP Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who on Thursday advised reporters in Columbus, Ohio, that the advert is “deeply, deeply troubling” and that the Ramaswamy marketing campaign “must take it down,” however he didn’t withdraw his endorsement of Ramaswamy.
Requested whether or not she was upset that DeWine did not withdraw his endorsement, Acton mentioned it was “an honor and a privilege” to work with him throughout COVID-19 pandemic because the director of the Ohio Division of Well being.
“I actually do recognize him calling out the info of the case,” Acton mentioned. “That this was an indictment he is aware of higher than others. He is a prosecutor. He began his profession prosecuting instances like this, and he knew greater than anybody. He is aware of who I’m and is aware of my story.”
Talking to reporters on Friday, Ramaswamy mentioned the advert had nothing to do with childhood abuse.
“We ran an advert about mendacity,” he mentioned. “Amy Acton is mendacity. She has been mendacity this complete marketing campaign about me, about her file, about her historical past on this state.”
In an announcement to ABC Information, Connie Luck, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy mentioned: “Ohioans cannot afford a liberal governor who exhibits up for Obama however by no means exhibits up for them.”
Ramaswamy and Acton have by no means met in individual. Requested what she would say to him, Acton mentioned: “I actually haven’t any phrases for Mr. Ramaswamy. I feel there isn’t any low that he would not sink to.”
Talking to survivors of abuse, Acton mentioned: “For these on the market going by means of it now, maintain on, please. If there’s somebody you are feeling protected with, say one thing about it.”
Obama blasts Trump, says Ramaswamy ‘thirsty’ for consideration
Acton campaigned Saturday alongside former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who’s working to win again his seat, and Obama, who was the final Democratic presidential candidate to win the state of Ohio in a presidential election in 2012.
From left, Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, left, former President Barack Obama, middle, and Ohio Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Sherrod Brown, proper, attend a marketing campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Cleveland.
Sue Ogrocki/AP Picture
Democrats are eyeing the Senate and gubernatorial races as key pickup alternatives given the headwinds going through Republicans.
In his remarks, Obama delivered a scathing rebuke of the Trump administration on a wide range of points — from the financial system to immigration to the conflict in Iran.
Concerning the GOP candidate for governor, Obama referred to as Ramaswamy “thirsty” for consideration.
Former President Barack Obama speaks throughout a marketing campaign rally for Democratic Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Cleveland.
Sue Ogrocki/AP Picture
“Vivek’s personal supporters know it is all about what’s in it for him,” Obama mentioned. “Everyone knows that man, you understand, who … simply desires to get consideration it doesn’t matter what, prepared to do something. And in latest days, we have seen there isn’t any line he is not going to cross, no low he is not going to sink to.”
Obama emphasised what he referred to as a “ethical part” to this election and mentioned that “fundamental decency” is lacking from the present public discourse.
ABC Information’ Diana Paulsen contributed to this report.
