Sabato’s Crystal Ball moves Ohio governor race toward Acton after Ramaswamy attack ad

Election forecaster Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved its ratings of Ohio’s gubernatorial race toward Democratic nominee Amy Acton, following a controversial campaign ad launched by her opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy (R).

Previously, the forecaster rated the race as a “toss-up,” but it has changed it to “leans Democratic,” following what it called “an explosive—and desperate—attack ad,” according to its Thursday report .

The clip that began circulating earlier this week features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, calling the Democrat “a liar” and urging Ohioans to vote against her. Initially, it was unclear who was behind the video, but Ramaswamy’s team later confirmed it was behind the ad and would spend $4 million to promote it.

In a 2019 interview with The Vindicator in Youngstown, Ohio, Acton talked about her unstable childhood where she was subject to abuse, neglect and homelessness. She opened up about facing sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather, which resulted in criminal charges and ultimately led to her ending her relationship with her mother.

Arthur, in the video , called Acton a liar and disputed her claims of living in a tent at one point while growing up.

“She lies about her past. She says she grew up living in a tent. None of that is true. She’s lied her entire life. My daughter needs help, and she can’t help you if she needs help herself,” Arthur said in the video.

Acton responded Wednesday to the ad in an interview with CBS affiliate WBNS , calling it “an exploitative thing to do.”

The ad prompted widespread criticism across the board, with Ohio Sen. Jon Husted (R) telling The Associated Press on Wednesday he “would not have run” it. Husted is running for reelection against former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), who said the ad was “disgusting” and called on Husted to condemn it.

“Internally, we have been giving a slight edge to Acton and Brown in our mental ledger, but we also have to continually remind ourselves that Ohio is a clearly red-leaning state,” Sabato’s Crystal Ball said.