Trump to hold Ohio rally amid governor’s race controversy

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - With Election Day less than a week away, President Donald Trump is expected to make another campaign stop in Ohio, where two competitive races could have national implications.

The president’s visit comes amid growing controversy surrounding Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, whose campaign released a viral attack ad featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Dr. Amy Acton.

In the ad, Acton’s mother calls her daughter a liar. But critics say the video omits crucial context about Acton’s childhood.

Acton and her brother were removed from their mother’s custody after Acton’s stepfather was charged with sexually abusing her.

“My opponent has chosen to exploit my childhood to save his struggling campaign, but it’s not going to work,” Acton said at recent campaign even.

The ad has drawn criticism from lawmakers in both parties, including Ohio’s Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

Ramaswamy, however, has defended the commercial, and argued that voters should be allowed to hear the allegations and make their own decisions.

Trump has also repeatedly defended the ad.

“The mother said terrible things,” Trump said. “Anybody seeing that would say, no way I’m voting for her.”

The controversy comes as recent polls suggests Democrats are gaining ground in Ohio, raising the stakes for Trump’s latest campaign stop.

Wednesday’s scheduled rally in Chillicothe will also put a spotlight on Ohio’s competitive U.S. Senate race, which could help determine which party controls the chamber.

Republican Sen. Jon Husted is facing a challenge from Democrat Sherrod Brown, who is attempting a political comeback after losing his Senate seat in 2024 to Trump-endorsed candidate Sen. Bernie Moreno.