Ohio Republicans Donate Wexner Campaign Cash Amid Epstein Probe

Several GOP officials, including Sprague, Yost, and Faber, are giving away past donations from the billionaire amid scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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As multiple politicians from both parties rush to give away past campaign contributions from Les Wexner, a few of Ohio's Republican statewide officeholders who received donations from the billionaire say they're doing the same. Wexner, who is facing a Congressional deposition on Feb. 18 about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has never been charged with a crime. Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, Attorney General Dave Yost, and Auditor Keith Faber are among the GOP officials donating Wexner's campaign contributions to charity.

Why it matters

The decision by Ohio Republicans to distance themselves from Wexner's campaign donations comes as the billionaire faces increased scrutiny over his relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The move highlights the political fallout Wexner is facing and the pressure on politicians to avoid any association with him.

The details

Sprague, who is running for Ohio Secretary of State, was the first to announce he's giving away the $23,000 in campaign contributions he's received from the Wexners. Yost and Faber are also donating Wexner's campaign contributions, though they are keeping donations from Abigail Wexner. Other Ohio officials who have received Wexner donations, including Gov. Mike DeWine, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine, have not yet indicated if they will return the funds.

  • On February 12, 2026, Sprague's campaign donated $23,000 to Findlay Hope House, equaling contributions received from the Wexners during the 2022 Ohio Treasurer race.
  • On February 18, 2026, Wexner is facing a Congressional deposition about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The players

Robert Sprague

Ohio Treasurer who is running for Ohio Secretary of State in 2026.

Dave Yost

Ohio Attorney General.

Keith Faber

Ohio Auditor.

Les Wexner

Billionaire facing scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Abigail Wexner

Wife of Les Wexner who also appears in Epstein-related documents but was never mentioned as a co-conspirator.

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What they’re saying

“In light of the increasingly disturbing reports concerning Les Wexner, on Thursday, February 12th, the Sprague for Secretary of State campaign donated $23,000 to Findlay Hope House, equaling contributions [from the Wexners] received during the 2022 Ohio Treasurer race.”

— Dalton Throckmorton, Campaign manager for Robert Sprague (dispatch.com)

“What Jeffrey Epstein did was unthinkable. News reports indicate that when the Wexner family learned of Epstein's deplorable behavior, including allegedly stealing from the Wexners, they immediately ended their relationship. As Attorney General, Keith Faber will make fighting human trafficking a top priority and will work to protect victims of crime.”

— Matt Dole, Spokesperson for Keith Faber's campaign (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in Wexner's Congressional deposition will decide on February 18 whether to compel him to testify about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The takeaway

The decision by Ohio Republicans to distance themselves from Wexner's campaign donations highlights the political fallout the billionaire is facing over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This move underscores the pressure on politicians to avoid any association with Wexner amid the ongoing scrutiny.