Frank LaRose decries out-of-state billionaires while one of them is keeping his Ohio Senate bid afloat

Ohio Republican U.S. Senate candidate Frank LaRose has been critical of out-of-state billionaires impacting elections, but he recently bragged about a “well-funded” super PAC funded by an out-of-state billionaire helping his Senate bid.

During a campaign event last November, LaRose made a video with Protect Women Ohio encouraging voters to reject Issue 1, a ballot initiative made to enshrine reproductive rights into the state constitution. LaRose denounced out of state billionaires for allegedly using their financial influence in the election.

“You know, it’s extreme when people like George Soros and other out of state billionaires are trying to influence this election,” LaRose said.

On Jan. 5, LaRose made an appearance on the “Good Morning America” podcast where he downplayed his campaign’s financial struggles and compared himself to the biblical character David. LaRose also confirmed that his campaign received a massive financial boost from a $3 million donation to the Leadership for Ohio Fund, a super PAC founded by LaRose’s allies.

The donation was made by Illinois billionaire Richard Uihlein, who also helped fund LaRose’s effort to make it harder for ballot measures like the reproductive rights one to pass in Ohio. Uihlein is a GOP megadonor who has contributed tens of millions of dollars to far-right candidates, and his money also helped fund the Jan. 6 March to Save America rally held prior to the insurrection.

LaRose’s opponents Bernie Moreno and Matt Dolan have used their personal wealth to largely bankroll their own campaigns. Dolan’s family owns the Cleveland Guardians, while Moreno’s millions came after he sold a chain of car dealerships.