Ohio gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci | Douglas Coulter
Ohio gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci | Douglas Coulter
Dozens of faith leaders from across Ohio have issued a joint statement endorsing Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci in his bid to unseat Gov. Mike DeWine.
According to Front Lines Ohio, 45 faith leaders issued a release stating their belief that Renacci will defend the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, in contrast to DeWine, who they say led the nation in lockdowns. The faith leaders say they approve of Renacci's stance on numerous issues, including the sanctity of life, advocating for biological gender, supporting religious freedom, securing the southern border to stop the flow of illegal drugs, supporting law enforcement and defending parental rights.
"Jim Renacci has valuable experience in both the private and public sectors," according to the joint statement. "Unlike some politicians who are steered by the political winds of Washington, we are persuaded Jim Renacci will be guided by a moral compass based on Ohio family values."
Renacci and Knopp have won the endorsements of multiple pro-life groups, who praise their commitment to defending the sanctity of life, including Warren County Right to Life, Dayton Right to Life and Cincinnati Right to Life, according to the Cincy Reporter.
DeWine led the nation in lockdowns, forcing Ohio schools and businesses to close even before Democrat Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Andrew Cuomo of New York, according to the Cleveland Reporter. DeWine's pandemic mitigations led to many Ohio Republicans drafting articles of impeachment against him in August 2020.
Renacci is a businessman and former U.S. representative for the 16th congressional district running against DeWine, a fellow Republican, in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary May 3.
DeWine, 75, is one of the longest-serving public officials in state history, having held elected office for 41 years, according to West Hamilton News. That includes stints in the Ohio state Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and as Ohio attorney general and lieutenant governor.
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