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Ramaswamy defends Acton ad as being about "lying," not abuse

NBC News' Priscilla Thompson reports the Ohio Republican's response as an ad featuring his opponent's estranged mother draws criticism from both parties.

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NBC News Story of October 24, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of NBC News's most watched videos since yesterday, with 29,320 views.

Ramasawamy says ad featuring Acton’s mother had nothing to do with allegations of sexual abuse

Vivek Ramaswamy is not backing away from the ad. The Republican candidate for Ohio governor says a campaign spot featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, has nothing to do with the allegations of sexual abuse that have made it so contentious.

The NBC News segment, carried under its "Decision 2026" banner, follows criticism of the ad. Earlier coverage this morning focused on the backlash. This report puts Ramaswamy's own defense on camera.

Correspondent Priscilla Thompson explains how he frames the ad. "Ramaswamy is saying that this ad is focused on Amy Acton's quote, 'history,' 'chronic history of lying,'" she says. In a clip, Ramaswamy says, "I think it is legitimate to be able to criticize the opponent's capabilities." He argues that his campaign did not raise the subject of abuse: "They're the ones who brought that up, not us."

The anchor adds that President Trump has backed the ad, telling Ramaswamy, "Keep doing what you're doing." According to the NBC description, the ad has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Thompson also explains the family history behind the dispute. Acton has been estranged from her mother since childhood. Ramaswamy's position, Thompson reports, is that voters should hear from the mother and decide for themselves.

The race brings together two familiar names in Ohio. Acton led the state's health department during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

The brief report drew close to 30,000 views in its first four hours, the most of any new NBC News video since yesterday.

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