Former President Barack Obama criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign ad during an Ohio midterm campaign rally on October 24, 2026, calling it an example of declining standards of behavior among public officials.

Key Takeaways

  • The ad features the estranged mother of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton.
  • Ramaswamy, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have defended the ad, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called for its removal.

Ohio midterm campaign ad draws criticism

Obama appeared alongside Acton and former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, who is seeking to unseat Republican Senator Jon Husted. Obama said Acton had spoken about a childhood marked by abuse, neglect and homelessness.

The Ramaswamy campaign video features Acton’s birth mother, Donna Arthur, calling Acton a liar and insinuating that she has mental health issues. Acton, Ohio’s health director during the COVID-19 pandemic, accused Ramaswamy of exploiting her childhood for political gain.

Ramaswamy has defended the ad as fair game. Trump also defended it on October 24, while DeWine was among Ohio Republicans who called for it to be taken down.

Obama’s other campaign stops

After the Ohio appearance, Obama was scheduled to travel to Detroit for a rally with Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, who is running against Republican former Representative Mike Rogers. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson was also slated to appear.

Obama was scheduled to headline a Georgia rally the following week with Senator Jon Ossoff and gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms.

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