Stand for Health Freedom (SHF), a national organization committed to defending constitutional and parental rights, has endorsed Ohio gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci according to a campaign announcement.
“Jim Renacci has a record and a commitment to fight for the rights of Ohioans," said Bailey Kuykendall, SHF spokesperson, according to the news 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.”
In a statement, Renacci said he is pleased with the endorsement.
This endorsement is especially important to me," Renacci said. "SHF thoroughly vets the campaigns they support. They know without a doubt that as governor and lieutenant governor, Joe Knopp and I will fight for Ohioans, their medical freedom and their constitutional rights."
Incumbent Gov. Mike DeWine will face off against Renacci in the May 3 Republican gubernatorial primary. The winner will go on to appear on ballots for the general election on Nov. 8.
Renacci, 63, is an accountant and entrepreneur, according to his campaign biography. 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.
DeWine, 75, was John Kasich's choice to replace him as Ohio governor in 2019, the West Hamilton News reported. 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 lieutenant governor, according to West Hamilton News.
