The campaign of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy confirmed responsibility Tuesday for a controversial attack ad that features the estranged mother of Democratic nominee Amy Acton calling her daughter a liar.

The one-minute video, which began circulating online overnight Monday, shows Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, stating that her daughter has lied about her childhood and suggesting mental health concerns. The ad lacks the required paid-for disclosure for broadcast but has spread widely on social media.

Acton, Ohio's former public health director, was removed from her mother's home at age 12 after her stepfather faced indictment on rape charges. Her brother has accused the Ramaswamy campaign of exploiting family trauma for political gain. Acton condemned the ad as an attempt to platform an abusive parent and called it an effort to normalize attacks on her childhood experiences.

Ramaswamy's campaign initially offered no direct confirmation but later stated it produced the ad and plans a $4 million buy to air it in the final weeks before the November 3 election. A person close to the campaign said voters deserve to know about Acton's fitness for office.

The race remains tight. Recent polls show Acton holding a narrow lead over Ramaswamy, with margins inside the sampling error in most surveys. The contest has featured heavy spending, with Ramaswamy-backed efforts exceeding $120 million. Both sides have traded personal attacks throughout the campaign, including claims about Acton's past and Ramaswamy's business record.

Election Day is two weeks away, and early voting has already begun in Ohio.