ONE YEAR AGO: After Taking $116K From Epstein Co-Conspirator, Jon Husted Voted To Block Release Of Epstein Files

ONE YEAR AGO: After Taking $116K From Epstein Co-Conspirator, Jon Husted Voted To Block Release Of Epstein Files

September 10, 2026

COLUMBUS, OHIO - One year ago, Senator Jon Husted voted to block the release of the Epstein files after taking more than $116,000 directly from Epstein co-conspirator Les Wexner, including a maximum donation just a few weeks before the vote.

This past year, Ohioans have called out and protested Husted in Columbus, Toledo, Youngstown, Westlake, Steubenville, Lima, and Marietta. Husted is the only Senator up for re-election to take Wexner's money, and has taken 10 times as much money from the Epstein co-conspirator than any other sitting Senator.

Ohio Democratic Party Senior Communications Advisor Tony Wen released the following statement:

"One year ago, Jon Husted voted to block the release of the Epstein files after taking more $116,000 from an Epstein co-conspirator, including a max donation just weeks before the vote. Ohioans deserve to know why Husted took the money, voted to protect his billionaire donor, and keeps running from accountability."

See how Ohioans have been holding Husted accountable:

WTOV: Ohio Democrats rally at Jefferson County courthouse over Husted Wexner donations

• WTOV Anchor: A group of Ohioans gathered Tuesday afternoon in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse to call out Sen. Jon Husted for taking more than $100,000 from Ohio billionaire Les Wexner.

• Missie Jasielum Basich, retired educator: Jon Husted will your hands ever be clean? I think not! Four thousand times Wexner's name was mentioned [in the Jeffrey Epstein files], the FBI named him as a co-conspirator. This is a shameful trickle down cycle.

WLIO: Ohio Democrats rally in Lima to criticize Husted over Epstein connections

• WLIO Anchor: "During the rally, speakers highlighted Husted's acceptance of more than $116,000 in campaign contributions from Ohio businessman Les Wexner, who has been linked to Epstein. Speakers also said Husted voted against a defense bill that included an amendment to release files related to Epstein."

• Alice Donahue, Lima City School Board Member: "Speaking as a victim, we just want accountability. We just want people that are responsible for what happened and especially to these young girls and women. What they went through and their horror and some have taken their lives and some's lives will never be recovered and I know how many years it took me to come to terms with my own abuse. It's not a political issue. It's not Republican-Democrat. It's a moral issue right now. We owe it to victims of sexual assault everywhere."

• Jeannine Jordan, Lima City Council: "We need politicians that are willing to take hard stands. We need politicians that are willing to say I don't want money from people who are getting it in ill-gotten ways. We need people to pay attention. Not just the politicians but you and I. We need to pay attention to what these people are doing, whose name they are doing it in, who's funding what they're doing, and care enough that we make hard votes."

WTAP: Marietta protest targets Ohio Sen. Jon Husted

• WTAP: [Organizers] allege Husted accepted more than $116,000 tied to billionaire Les Wexner. Wexner has been publicly linked to Jeffrey Epstein, and has been described by protesters as an Epstein co-conspirator.

• Geneva Cech, concerned Ohioan: It's important that our representatives are looking out for our best interest. It's important that our representatives care for us. And if we have a senator who is willing to accept donations from somebody covering up for a child predator, it's important that we know this information.

• Cech: And come election time, I hope people can recognize that Jon Husted is not looking out for the everyday Ohioan. He's looking to support and protect his billionaire donors.

WTOL: Ohioans protest outside Husted's Toledo office over donations tied to Les Wexner

• WTOL Anchor: Several people gathered in protest today against Senator Jon Husted outside of his office in downtown Toledo. The protesters say they are calling out Senator Husted for accepting more than $116,000 in donations from Les Wexner, a suspected associate of Jeffrey Epstein.

• Lisa Sobecki, Lucas County Commissioner: I think it's important that people's voices are being heard on this, because I am a grandmother of a daughter. I'm a survivor, a rape survivor. I've met with many that are rape survivors. I've met with many that have been trafficked, and this to me just shows them that we're not going to just sweep this under the rug and ignore it.

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