Ohio Officials Donate Wexner Funds After Epstein Document Release

Lawmakers respond to Wexner's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by redirecting campaign contributions.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A growing number of Ohio politicians, including Senator Jon Husted, Congressmembers Joyce Beatty and Mike Carey, State Senators Beth Liston and Michele Reynolds, and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin, 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 officials cited the recently released documents as the impetus for their actions, with many stating they will donate the funds to charities supporting victims of sex trafficking and abuse.

Why it matters

The donations highlight the growing scrutiny and fallout over Wexner's ties to Epstein, a convicted sex offender whose crimes have had a devastating impact on countless lives. The move by Ohio officials signals a desire for accountability and justice, as well as a commitment to supporting organizations that assist survivors of these heinous acts.

The details

Several Ohio politicians have announced they will donate campaign contributions received from Les Wexner, the Columbus businessman with ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Senator Jon Husted's campaign will donate its $3,500 contribution from Wexner to charitable organizations. Congressmembers Joyce Beatty and Mike Carey, State Senators Beth Liston and Michele Reynolds, and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin have also said they will redirect Wexner's funds to charities supporting victims of sex trafficking and abuse. The officials cited the recently released documents detailing Wexner's connections to Epstein as the impetus for their actions.

  • On February 17, 2026, Ohio lawmakers announced they would be donating campaign contributions received from Les Wexner.
  • Wexner is scheduled to give a deposition before the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday as part of an investigation into Epstein's crimes.

The players

Les Wexner

A Columbus businessman who was the financial advisor to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jon Husted

An Ohio Senator who has directed his campaign to donate Wexner's $3,500 contribution to charity.

Joyce Beatty

A U.S. Congressmember who will donate campaign contributions from Wexner to organizations supporting survivors of sex trafficking and abuse.

Mike Carey

A U.S. Congressmember who will donate campaign contributions from the Wexners to organizations aimed at preventing human trafficking and supporting victims.

Shannon Hardin

The Columbus City Council President who has already donated a previous $10,000 check from Wexner and is now donating an additional $10,000 received over the years.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Shannon Hardin, Columbus City Council President (Facebook)

“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.”

— Michele Reynolds, State Senator (X (formerly Twitter)

“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.”

— Mike Carey, U.S. Congressmember (Press Release)

What’s next

Wexner is scheduled to give a deposition before the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday as part of an investigation into Epstein's crimes. Legal experts suggest the deposition differs from a judicial proceeding and does not carry the same legal protections.

The takeaway

The decision by Ohio officials to donate campaign contributions received from Les Wexner underscores the growing public outcry and demand for accountability over the disturbing connections between Wexner and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. By redirecting these funds to organizations supporting survivors of sex trafficking and abuse, the lawmakers are sending a clear message that they will not tolerate any association with Epstein's heinous crimes.