COLUMBUS, Ohio — The political fallout surrounding Jeffrey Epstein is becoming a major issue in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race, as Republican Sen. Jon Husted and Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown exchange accusations over campaign contributions from wealthy donors with connections to the late convicted sex offender.
At the center of the controversy is Ohio billionaire Les Wexner, the former retail executive who employed Epstein as a financial adviser.
According to campaign finance records examined by the Associated Press, Wexner contributed approximately $116,000 to Husted’s political campaigns between 2001 and 2025, including a $3,500 contribution in July 2025.
Brown’s campaign has highlighted those donations in television advertisements, questioning Husted’s record on efforts to release federal investigative documents related to Epstein.
Husted’s campaign disputes that characterization, noting that the senator supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November. His campaign maintains that an earlier vote criticized by Brown was procedural rather than a direct vote against releasing the files.
A spokesperson for Husted also said the campaign donated its remaining $34,300 in Wexner contributions to an organization combating human trafficking. Contributions from earlier election cycles had already been spent.
Both Campaigns Face Questions Over Donations
Husted’s campaign has responded with advertisements criticizing Brown for accepting contributions from individuals whose names appear in Epstein-related documents, including Abigail Wexner, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and former Google executive Eric Schmidt.
However, being named in the Epstein files does not establish involvement in criminal activity. The individuals identified in Husted’s advertisements were not accused of crimes in connection with those contributions.
Brown’s campaign has argued that the donations he received are different from Husted’s financial support from Les Wexner, given Wexner’s longstanding relationship with Epstein.
Wexner has denied knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and has not been charged in connection with the case. During congressional testimony in February, he said he had been deceived by Epstein and denied ever asking Husted or other elected officials to prevent the release of investigative records.
Ohio Connections Bring Renewed Attention
The controversy has particular significance in Ohio because Epstein maintained connections to the Columbus area, including a residence in New Albany.
Maria Farmer, one of Epstein’s earliest public accusers, has alleged that she was sexually assaulted in New Albany in 1996. Her sister, Annie Farmer, has also publicly described abuse by Epstein.
Their accounts have contributed to continued demands for greater transparency and accountability surrounding Epstein’s activities and the people who associated with him.
The Epstein Reading Room, a traveling exhibit featuring documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, had scheduled an Ohio stop for October 7. Organizers say the exhibit is intended to keep public attention on survivors and unanswered questions surrounding the case.
A Closely Watched Senate Contest
The dispute comes as Husted and Brown compete in one of the nation’s most expensive Senate races, with campaign advertising spending approaching $400 million.
Both candidates have attempted to use the Epstein controversy to challenge their opponent’s judgment and political relationships.
While the campaign accusations continue, neither receiving a political contribution from someone connected to Epstein nor appearing in investigative documents is, by itself, evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
With the November election approaching, the issue highlights broader questions about political influence, transparency and accountability among powerful donors and elected officials.
River News will continue following developments in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race.
Source: The Associated Press, September 23, 2026, “Billionaire’s political contributions make the Epstein files a focus of Ohio’s US Senate race,” published by Courthouse News Service.
This article is independently written for River News using information reported by the Associated Press.
