Ohio Lawmakers Quiet on Donations From Epstein Associate Wexner

Billionaire businessman linked to Jeffrey Epstein gave over $250,000 to Republican candidates in Ohio, but lawmakers are not addressing the contributions.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Billionaire businessman Leslie Wexner, who has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein, donated over $250,000 to Republican candidates in Ohio in the past year, including to Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, as well as Representative Mike Carey. However, the offices of these lawmakers have not responded to questions about the donations or their relationship with Wexner.

Why it matters

Wexner's close ties to Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking minors, have raised concerns about the source of Wexner's wealth and influence. The lack of transparency from Ohio lawmakers who have received donations from Wexner is troubling, as it suggests they may be trying to avoid scrutiny of their association with an individual linked to such serious crimes.

The details

According to Federal Election Commission filings, Wexner donated $250,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2025, as well as $3,500 each to Ohio Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, and $3,300 to Representative Mike Carey. Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty also received a $3,500 donation from Wexner. Wexner's wife, Abigail, also donated multiple installments of $2,500 to former Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, between 2011 and 2017. However, the offices of the NRSC, Husted, Beatty, and Carey did not respond to questions about their relationship with Wexner. A source familiar with the situation told NOTUS that Moreno would not be returning the funds, and said the donation was unsolicited.

  • Wexner donated $250,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2025.
  • Wexner donated $3,500 each to Ohio Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, and $3,300 to Representative Mike Carey in the past year.
  • Wexner's wife, Abigail, donated multiple installments of $2,500 to former Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, between 2011 and 2017.

The players

Leslie Wexner

A billionaire businessman who is listed as a potential 'co-conspirator' to Jeffrey Epstein in newly unredacted files. Wexner is the founder of L Brands and Victoria's Secret, and has been linked to Epstein since Epstein was Wexner's financial manager from 1987 to 2007.

Bernie Moreno

An Ohio Senator who received a $3,500 donation from Wexner.

Jon Husted

An Ohio Senator who received a $3,500 donation from Wexner.

Mike Carey

An Ohio Representative who received a $3,300 donation from Wexner.

Joyce Beatty

A Democratic Representative from Ohio who received a $3,500 donation from Wexner.

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What they’re saying

“We have just unredacted Les Wexner's name from this document, but his name already appears in the files thousands of times. DOJ is hiding nothing.”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General (X)

“There were six wealthy, powerful men that the DOJ redacted for no apparent reason. Khanna said that it wasn't until he and Massie pointed this out to the DOJ that they acknowledged their mistake and unredacted the names.”

— Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative (House floor)

“In response to my posts on X today, DOJ unredacted an FBI file that LABELS two individuals as co-conspirators. This is FBI's own 2019 document listing Wexner as co-conspirator in child sex trafficking. It wasn't unredacted until tonight.”

— Thomas Massie, U.S. Representative (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.