A video circulating widely on social media features a woman identifying herself as the mother of Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton, urging voters not to support her daughter in the upcoming November election. The one-minute clip, which appeared online on Tuesday, has since garnered significant attention across various platforms.
The woman introduces herself as Donna Arthur, stating, "My name is Donna Arthur, and I’m Amy Acton’s mother." She then details a background in child and family services. Arthur expresses love for her daughter but asserts disagreement with how Acton has portrayed her childhood. "She says she grew up living in a tent. None of that is true," Arthur declares in the video. The woman further accuses Acton of misrepresenting Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy. She concludes the message by addressing Ohioans directly, requesting, "Don’t let her become your governor."
The footage was posted online by journalist and podcast host Walter Curt, reportedly accumulating over 350,000 views, according to Newsweek. Reactions from social media users frequently described the video as "brutal," with many pointing to the impactful nature of the messenger, given her self-identification as the candidate's mother.
However, the claims made in the video have not been independently confirmed. Investigators have not verified Arthur’s allegations, nor has it been established who financed or produced the recording. Further, reports have not yet shown whether Donna Arthur has independently confirmed her identity as Amy Acton's mother. The specific statements by Acton that prompted Arthur to speak out have also not been identified. Newsweek reportedly contacted both the Acton and Ramaswamy campaigns for comment on Tuesday morning.
Previous news coverage has touched upon aspects of Amy Acton’s upbringing. WKBN27 reported that Acton’s parents divorced when she was three years old. Following the divorce, the station indicated that Acton moved between approximately 18 different homes before her 12th birthday. WKBN27 also reported that Acton spent a single winter residing in a tent at a campground. She later moved in with her father, according to the same station. The precise details surrounding that period of her life remain unclear.
Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy are competing to succeed Governor Mike DeWine, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. Ohio voters are scheduled to cast their ballots on November 3. Recent polls have presented a mixed picture regarding the frontrunner in the gubernatorial race. An ActiVote poll conducted from September 27 to October 19 showed Ramaswamy leading with 51.4% to Acton’s 48.6%. This 2.8-point difference falls within the poll’s reported expected error margin of 4.9 percentage points. A co/efficient survey, taken on October 5-6, also placed Ramaswamy ahead, 45% to 43%, with Libertarian candidate Don Kissick registering 3%.
Conversely, two other polling organizations found Acton in the lead. A Marist University survey conducted from October 15-18 recorded Acton with a 50% to 43% advantage over Ramaswamy. Similarly, a Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll indicated Acton leading 50% to 44%.
As both campaigns enter the final stretch before Election Day, the video continues to circulate online. Its potential to sway votes in what appears to be a tight race cannot yet be determined.
