Democratic Ohio gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton is facing criticism from an unexpected source: her own mother, who appeared in a campaign ad accusing the former state health director of fabricating key details about her upbringing.

In the ad, Donna Arthur disputes Acton’s longstanding account of experiencing homelessness and living in a tent with her mother after her parents divorced. Arthur also criticizes her daughter’s statements about Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy, saying the controversy prompted her to speak publicly.

“I love my daughter, but when I saw her lying about her opponent, and it’s not easy for a mother to say this, but Amy has a serious problem,” Arthur said.

“She is a liar. She lies about her past. She says she grew up living in a tent. None of that is true. She’s lied her entire life,” Arthur added.

Acton previously discussed experiences of abuse, neglect, and homelessness in public accounts of her childhood. Her mother’s new allegations directly challenge that narrative, although the claims presented in the campaign ad have not been independently established by the material provided.

Arthur urged voters to reject her daughter’s candidacy, arguing that Acton should address the alleged dishonesty before seeking the state’s highest office.

“My daughter needs help, and she can’t help you if she needs help herself,” Arthur said. She also called on voters not to elect Acton governor.

The dispute adds another layer of controversy to an already contentious contest between Acton and Ramaswamy, a Republican businessman and former 2024 presidential candidate. Ramaswamy’s supporters have circulated ads accusing Acton of substance abuse, while Acton has dismissed attacks against her as “garbage” and criticized Ramaswamy’s campaign advertising.

The race has drawn particular attention because recent polling has shown the candidates running close to one another. The latest allegations now put Acton’s personal history and credibility at the center of the campaign, with her mother’s accusations becoming a new point of contention in the fight for Ohio’s governorship.