Toplines on Ohio’s Newest Senator:

-- Husted, a “good friend of FirstEnergy” pushed legislation that led to the largest corruption scandal in Ohio history, raising bills for Ohioans while bailing out large corporations. Despite a trail of evidence indicating otherwise, Husted denies all involvement.

-- During his time as lieutenant governor, he also served on the board of Heartland Bank. Almost three years into his term on the board, he hasn’t answered questions about why he’s padding his own pockets at the expense of Ohio taxpayers.

Columbus, Ohio- Following the announcement that Governor Mike DeWine will appoint Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill JD Vance’s Senate seat, Democrats are making sure Ohioans know the truth about their Senator. Husted is a career politician who was deeply involved in the biggest corruption scandal in Ohio’s history. 

Documents, texts,and donations paint a picture of a lieutenant governor deeply embroiled in scandals that raised energy prices for Ohioans while padding the pockets of corporate executives. Under DeWine & Husted’s leadership, Ohio is known as the most corrupt state government in the United States. And the politician at the heart of it all just got a promotion.

Instead of working to lower costs for Ohioans, Husted has spent his time texting FirstEnergy executives, soliciting “donations” (bribes)  from FirstEnergy executives, and avoiding testifying at depositions. Ohioans deserve a Senator who truly wants to work for them, not just further his own career while conveniently running away from the biggest corruption scandal in Ohio history. 

“While Governor DeWine may have handed Husted a literal get out of jail free card, Ohioans won’t tolerate a career politician with a penchant for corruption & scandal ,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters. “It’s already clear we can’t trust Husted. Over the next two years, Democrats will work tirelessly to hold Husted accountable and will be contesting this competitive seat in the midterm election.” 

Read more about the trail of corruption that follows Husted to the Senate: 

Cleveland.com: FirstEnergy made secret $1 million payment for ‘Husted campaign’ in 2017, documents show

The Statehouse News Bureau: Texts from former FirstEnergy execs suggest Lt. Gov. Jon Husted pressed for nuclear bailout

AP: Documents of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and lieutenant governor subpoenaed in lawsuit over bribery scheme

WKYC: Lt. Gov. Jon Husted denies knowing about FirstEnergy bribery scandal despite texts with indicted former CEOs, and more: Ohio Has Issues 07/03/2024

Ohio Capitol Journal: Ohio Lt. Gov. Husted denies knowledge of corruption scheme in wake of FirstEnergy texts– 07/01/2024

CLE News5: FirstEnergy VP Dowling plans to call DeWine and Husted to the stand in corruption trial