Buckeye Reporter

Gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci has won the endorsement of Stand for Health Freedom (SHF), a national organization committed to defending constitutional and parental rights, according to a release from Renacci's office.  

“Jim Renacci has a record and a commitment to fight for the rights of Ohioans," Bailey Kuykendall, SHF spokesperson, said in a release. "When the federal government issues an order or guidance or other health policy, your governor can choose or refuse compliance. Jim Renacci will refuse and stand up for individual rights. We believe Jim Renacci will defend and expand these rights for Ohio residents.”

Renacci is supportive of the endorsement.

"This endorsement is especially important to me," Renacci said in a release. "SHF thoroughly vets the campaigns they support. They know without a doubt that as governor and Lt. Governor, Joe Knopp and I will fight for Ohioans, their medical freedom, and their constitutional rights."

Renacci, 63, is an accountant and entrepreneur. He won election to U.S. Congress in 2010 as part of the Tea Party movement, and later endorsed Donald Trump over then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich in the 2016 primary for president.

Incumbent Gov. Mike DeWine will face off against Renacci in the May 3 GOP gubernatorial primary. The winner will go on to appear on ballots for the general election on Nov. 8.

DeWine, 75, was Kasich's choice to replace him as Ohio governor in 2019. He is one of the longest-serving public officials in state history, having been in elected office for 41 years. That includes stints in the Ohio State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and as Ohio attorney general and Ohio lieutenant governor.