Updated: October 21, 2026
Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor and former state health director, has long spoken about a difficult childhood marked by instability and trauma. At the center of that story is her birth mother, Donna Arthur (previously Stearns). Their relationship ended decades ago, yet it resurfaced dramatically in October 2026 when Arthur appeared in a widely circulated video criticizing her daughter. Here’s a clear look at what is known from public records, interviews, and recent events.
Table of Contents
Who Is Donna Arthur, Amy Acton’s Mother?
Donna Arthur is Amy Acton’s biological mother. Acton was born Amy Leigh Stearns on February 16, 1966, in Youngstown, Ohio. Her parents divorced when she was about three years old. Custody went to her mother under the norms of the time. Arthur later married Cledith Arthur, who became Acton’s stepfather.
The family experienced frequent moves—Acton has described roughly 18 homes by age 12—and periods of hardship. Arthur has worked in child and family services and has publicly identified herself as someone involved in early sexual abuse programs. Mother and daughter have not spoken or seen each other since a courtroom appearance in 1978.
Amy Acton’s Account of Her Childhood
Acton has been open about the challenges of her early years. She has described neglect, poverty, frequent relocations across Youngstown’s north side, and one winter spent living in a tent at a campground. She has also stated that her stepfather sexually abused her between the ages of roughly 9 or 10 and 12.
In a 2019 interview, Acton recalled that the last time she saw her mother was in the courthouse after charges were filed. She said she approached to give a kiss and her mother turned away. Acton and her younger brother then went to live with their biological father, Jerry Stearns, which brought greater stability. She later attended Liberty High School, became homecoming queen, worked her way through college, and earned her medical degree.
The Recent Political Ad and Family Response
In mid-October 2026, a video circulated featuring a woman identifying herself as Donna Arthur. In it, she expresses love for her daughter but calls Acton a “liar,” disputes the tent-living claim, and urges Ohio voters not to elect her as governor. The video does not name Acton’s Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, but Acton’s campaign and her brother have linked it to the race.
Acton’s brother, Philip (or Phillip) Stearns, issued a strong statement. He described the ad as turning childhood sexual abuse into a political talking point and noted that their mother remained married to the man charged with abusing Acton until his death. Acton herself has called the use of her estranged mother “awful” and said her birth mother did nothing to protect her.
Court Records and Conflicting Narratives
Mahoning County court records from 1978 show Cledith Arthur was arrested and charged with the rape of a girl under 13—identified in documents as Amy Stearns. He pleaded not guilty, was indicted by a grand jury, and later became a fugitive after failing to appear. Contemporary reporting and campaign-provided records support that the children were removed from the home. Police documentation has also referenced living conditions consistent with hardship, including a tent.
Arthur has previously disputed parts of the account, including homelessness claims and the abuse allegations, while acknowledging she supported her husband during the legal process and left the area with him. The two sides present sharply different versions of the same period.
Key Facts at a Glance Detail Information Mother’s Name Donna Arthur (formerly Stearns) Daughter Amy Acton (born Amy Leigh Stearns, 1966) Estrangement Since Approximately 1978 (when Acton was 12) Stepfather Charged Cledith Arthur, 1978 rape charge Brother’s Stance Supports Acton’s account of childhood trauma Recent Event October 2026 video criticizing Acton
Key points from the public record include:
- Acton and her brother were removed from their mother’s custody after the 1978 charges.
- Acton has consistently described frequent moves, neglect, and a period of tent living.
- Court documents confirm the arrest and indictment of the stepfather.
- Mother and daughter have had no contact for nearly five decades.
- The 2026 video has intensified scrutiny of these long-standing family differences.
Conclusion
The relationship between Amy Acton and her mother, Donna Arthur, remains defined by decades of estrangement rooted in a painful chapter of childhood. Public records and contemporary accounts support Acton’s description of instability and abuse, while Arthur has challenged certain details. The October 2026 video has brought private family history into the heat of a high-profile governor’s race, prompting strong responses from Acton and her brother. As voters and observers consider the story, the documented facts—court filings, past interviews, and the long silence between mother and daughter—provide the clearest foundation for understanding this complex and difficult chapter.