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Acton says she has 'no intention' of speaking to Ramaswamy after ad featuring her mother

Columbus • November 6, 2026 • By Press Pass USA

Ohio Governor-elect Amy Acton speaking at a podium with U.S. and Ohio flags behind her

Photo: AP via ABC News

Ohio Governor-elect Amy Acton said Friday she has "no intention of speaking" to her Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy after his campaign aired a controversial ad featuring her estranged mother — an ad she called "terrible and despicable" in an interview on CBS Mornings.

Ramaswamy conceded to Acton on Nov. 3, after a heated campaign to lead the Buckeye State. He urged his supporters to root for Acton and her administration, acknowledging that the campaign had become "bitter at times in both directions." He also said he had called Acton and left a message congratulating her on her win.

Acton has no plans to return that call. In the interview with CBS Mornings' Gayle King, she said she has not spoken to Ramaswamy since the election — or at all.

"I think we can't normalize behavior like this," she said. "It was so beyond the pale, so no, I have no intention of speaking to him. I do believe that leaders' words matter, and we need to hold folks accountable."

Ramaswamy's campaign aired the ad, which leaked Oct. 19, featuring Acton's estranged mother Donna Arthur accusing her daughter of lying about her upbringing. Acton has not spoken to her mother since 1978, when her stepfather Cledith Arthur was accused of sexually abusing her as a child. Donna Arthur lost custody of her children after Acton's stepfather was charged with rape for sexually abusing Acton between the ages of 10 and 12.

"It was sad," Acton told CBS Mornings. "I would like to say I didn't expect this, but there was no low my opponent wouldn't sink to. These ads have been full of lies and hate and vitriol the entire campaign."

Republicans and Democrats alike condemned the ad as a new low in political campaigning, with current Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine calling on Ramaswamy's campaign to take it down.

By defeating Ramaswamy, Acton has become the first woman elected Ohio governor and the first Democrat to win the race in 20 years. She takes office in January.

Sources: USA Today, “Ohio's Acton has 'no intention' of speaking with GOP foe Vivek Ramaswamy” (Nov. 6, 2026); The Columbus Dispatch, “Acton says she has 'no intention' of speaking to Ramaswamy after controversial ad” (Nov. 6, 2026); CBS Mornings interview with Gov.-elect Amy Acton (Nov. 6, 2026).