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Columbus, Ohio (AP) — Les Wexner, the billionaire retail tycoon, has been a frequent recipient of political contributions, especially in Ohio where he directs a significant amount of his giving to candidates from both parties. However, his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender and former financial adviser, has become a focal point in Ohio's U.S. Senate race.

Wexner, who has distanced himself from Epstein, donated approximately $116,000 to support Republican Sen. Jon Husted from 2001 to 2025. Despite being a small portion of Husted's overall fundraising, Brown, the Democratic candidate, has made it a campaign issue, running commercials criticizing Husted for receiving more money from Wexner than any other current member of Congress.

Wexner's ties to Epstein, who had connections to influential people and Congress, have also emerged in other U.S. House and Senate races across the country. The traveling exhibit showcasing the Justice Department's Epstein files is set to visit Ohio soon, drawing attention to the issue. Both Brown and Husted have highlighted Epstein's connections in their campaigns, with Brown pointing to Wexner's donations to Husted and Husted defending himself against accusations of covering up the Epstein files.