Ohio Politicians Donate Campaign Funds Linked to Jeffrey Epstein Associate Les Wexner

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A growing number of Ohio elected officials are donating campaign contributions received from Columbus businessman Les Wexner to charitable organizations, following the release of documents referencing his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner is scheduled to be deposed by members of the U.S. House on Wednesday as part of an investigation into Epstein.

Wexner’s Congressional Deposition

Wexner was originally subpoenaed on January 23, 2026. His legal representative stated in 2019 that the Assistant U.S. Attorney viewed Wexner as a source of information about Epstein and not a target in any investigation and that Wexner fully cooperated with authorities. MSN reports that a private hearing will be held in central Ohio, where members of Congress are expected to directly question Wexner, with his legal counsel present.

Politicians Return Donations

Several Ohio politicians have announced they are donating contributions from Wexner to charity. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) directed his campaign to donate the $3,500 received from Wexner in July 2025 to an unnamed charity. The New Republic and TiffinOhio.net report that Husted also voted to release the Epstein files in November 2025.

Other officials returning Wexner’s donations include:

• Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH-15)
• Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3)
• State Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester)
• State Sen. Beth Liston (D-Dublin)
• Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin

Hardin donated $10,000 to the Columbus Promise, although Reynolds plans to donate funds to charities supporting youth leaders and families facing food insecurity. Beatty donated to local organizations supporting survivors of sex trafficking and abuse. Balderson donated to Safe Harbor Ohio, a nonprofit supporting victims of sex trafficking.

Wexner’s Connection to Epstein

Wexner was identified as a co-conspirator of Epstein in FBI documents released in February 2026. TiffinOhio.net notes that Wexner was Epstein’s financial advisor.

Ginther’s Response

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther’s campaign did not state whether contributions from Wexner would be donated to charity, but issued a statement condemning Epstein’s crimes and calling for justice for the victims.

Husted’s Financial History with Wexner

Senator Husted has received a total of $116,892 from Les Wexner since 2001, according to campaign finance records. Ohio Democrats state that Husted is the only senator up for re-election in 2026 who accepted contributions from Wexner during the 2025-2026 election cycle.