Ohio Lawmakers Respond to Epstein Connection, Donate Wexner Contributions
Columbus, Ohio – A growing number of Ohio politicians are donating campaign contributions received from Columbus businessman Les Wexner, following the release of documents detailing his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The donations come as Wexner prepares for a deposition before the U.S. House of Representatives this Wednesday, as part of an investigation into Epstein’s crimes.
Senator Jon Husted joined the list of officials redirecting funds, announcing his campaign will donate its contributions from Wexner to charitable organizations. “Senator Husted has directed the campaign to donate Wexner’s money to charity,” said Tyson Shepard, Husted Campaign Communications Director. The campaign did not specify the amount being donated, but Federal Election Commission records show Husted received a $3,500 donation from Wexner in July 2025.
The decision by Husted follows similar announcements from Congressmembers Joyce Beatty and Mike Carey, State Senators Beth Liston and Michele Reynolds, and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin. Several officials cited the recently released documents as the impetus for their actions.
Hardin, in a Facebook post, stated he had already donated a previous unsolicited $10,000 check from Wexner to the Columbus Promise and is now donating an additional $10,000 received over the years. “Jeffrey Epstein’s heinous crimes robbed young women and girls of their future. Maybe this money, in honor of victims and survivors, can help other young people build their futures,” he wrote.
State Senator Reynolds echoed the sentiment, stating her campaign would donate funds to charities supporting youth leaders and families facing food insecurity. “As more information has come to light, and as the distraction surrounding this has continued, our campaign has decided to donate any funds received from the Wexners… It is my sincere hope that federal law enforcement continues to seek justice, and that anyone associated with the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Representative Carey stated, “After I voted to release the entirety of the Epstein files, disturbing details emerged regarding Les Wexner’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was a profoundly evil man whose crimes destroyed countless innocent lives. In light of those revelations, I am donating all campaign contributions from the Wexners to organizations aimed at preventing human trafficking and supporting victims.”
Representative Beatty similarly announced she would donate her campaign contributions to organizations supporting survivors of sex trafficking and abuse, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
Wexner, who was Epstein’s financial advisor, has not been charged with any crime in connection to the case. He has stated he severed ties with Epstein in 2007. His legal representative previously stated to authorities in 2019 that Wexner was considered a source of information and not a target in the investigation.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther’s campaign has not announced whether it will donate contributions from Wexner. In a statement, Ginther called Epstein’s crimes “reprehensible and disgusting” and said his administration would “remain attentive to the proceedings of these investigations.”
The upcoming deposition is being conducted by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. A congressional spokesperson confirmed a private hearing will be held in central Ohio, and a transcript will be released at a later date. Legal experts suggest that while Wexner has First Amendment rights, the deposition differs from a judicial proceeding and does not carry the same legal protections.
Attorney Pamella Seay, who is not involved in the investigation, explained that Congress is likely seeking to understand the nature of Wexner’s relationship with Epstein and whether he may have referred others to the convicted sex offender. “They want to find out information, gather information and get to the bottom of a situation. But because someone is being deposed, it does not mean that they are a target. It does not mean that they have done anything wrong,” Seay cautioned.
The list of politicians donating Wexner’s contributions includes:
- Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3)
- Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH-15)
- State Sen. Michele Reynolds (R – Canal Winchester)
- State Sen. Beth Liston (D-Dublin)
- Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin
- Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH-12)
