MK Pritzker puts $500,000 behind Amy Acton after Ramaswamy ad

Key Points:

• Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker announced a $500,000 contribution to support Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, responding to a controversial attack ad by Acton’s Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, which featured Acton’s estranged mother.
• The contribution includes the maximum amount allowed directly to Acton’s campaign, with the remainder going to the Ohio Democratic Party; this marks a rare and significant individual political donation from MK Pritzker, who typically avoids the political spotlight.
• Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed producing the ad and plans to spend $4 million promoting it, using Acton’s family history in an attempt to discredit her; Acton and her brother were removed from their mother’s custody in 1978 due to abuse allegations against their stepfather.
• MK Pritzker condemned Ramaswamy’s tactics as arrogant and cruel, emphasizing the need to actively oppose such political behavior, while Governor JB Pritzker also denounced the ad and has been active in supporting Ohio Democrats through substantial financial contributions and political action committees.
• The Pritzker family has a history of significant political donations, with MK Pritzker having contributed millions to federal and state campaigns over the years, and other family members also supporting Acton’s campaign financially.