Ohio Politicians Redirect Campaign Donations from Les Wexner Amid Epstein Ties Scrutiny
Ohio politicians are taking steps to distance themselves from campaign donations associated with Les Wexner, the billionaire founder of L Brands, amid renewed scrutiny of his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner, known for his leadership at Victoria’s Secret and The Limited, has faced ongoing inquiries about his relationship with Epstein, claiming he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities and severed ties in 2007. Recent revelations have prompted politicians who received donations from Wexner to redirect the funds to organizations combating human trafficking.
Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Carey and Democratic U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty have both pledged to donate campaign contributions from Wexner to anti-trafficking initiatives. Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin expressed discomfort over an unsolicited $10,000 donation from Wexner and announced plans to donate that amount, along with previous contributions from Wexner. Democratic state Sen. Beth Liston also disclosed receiving a donation from Wexner, which she intends to donate.
Federal campaign finance records reveal that both of Ohio’s U.S. senators have received donations from Wexner. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted received $3,500 from Wexner in July of last year, while now-U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno and U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson also received contributions from Wexner. Efforts are being made to contact Moreno and Balderson regarding their donations from Wexner.
As Wexner prepares to testify before Congress this week, the focus on his connections to Epstein continues to raise questions about the appropriateness of accepting donations from him. Ohio politicians are taking proactive steps to distance themselves from Wexner’s contributions, redirecting the funds to causes aligned with combating human trafficking. The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Wexner’s ties to Epstein underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in political fundraising.