Ohio GOP senator: ‘I would not have run’ Ramaswamy ad

Ohio Sen. Jon Husted (R) pushed back on a controversial campaign ad run by Ohio gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy (R) featuring his opponent’s mother.

In a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Husted said he “would not have run” the ad.

The video, which initially debuted online, features the mother of Ramaswamy’s opponent, Amy Acton (D). In the video, Acton’s mother called her a “liar” and said she “needs serious help.”

Acton’s campaign responded shortly after, saying she and her brother have been estranged from their mother for years after Acton was sexually abused by her stepfather, whom her mother remained married to until his death. Acton was removed from her mother’s care at the age of 12.

The ad sparked backlash from both parties, with some Republicans calling out the ad’s negativity.

But at a press conference Wednesday morning, Vice President Vance said he was “disgusted” by Republicans pushing back on the ad. Vance rallied for Ramaswamy in his home state of Ohio on Wednesday afternoon.

Husted’s Democratic challenger, former Sen. Sherrod Brown, called the ad “disgusting” and called on his Republican opponent to denounce it. A spokesperson for Husted’s campaign directed The Hill to the senator’s remarks given to the AP.

Acton and Ramaswamy are locked in a competitive race for Ohio governor, though Acton’s lead in polls has increased in recent days.

A Cook Political Report poll released Wednesday found Acton ahead 49 to 44 percent. Decision Desk HQ, a partner of The Hill, gives Acton a 60 percent chance to flip the seat to Democrats in its forecast.

Despite the controversy, Ramaswamy’s campaign is doubling down on the message. Axios reported that the campaign will spend $4 million to air the ad statewide.