Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign is spending $4 million on an ad featuring the estranged mother of his opponent, Amy Acton, attacking her daughter. Acton's mother claims her daughter lied about her past and disputes her accounts of childhood hardship. The ad's release has drawn sharp bipartisan criticism, with many warning it could backfire due to the sensitive nature of child sexual abuse. Ramaswamy's campaign, however, believes the ad tested well with persuadable voters. Acton has stated she was sexually abused by her stepfather as a child, and her mother sided with him. Acton's brother has also condemned the ad as disgusting. Despite the backlash, Ramaswamy's campaign views the ad as politically advantageous. Some conservative figures have defended the ad, while others, including Republican strategists, have expressed concern it could generate sympathy for Acton. A recent poll shows Acton leading Ramaswamy in the gubernatorial race.