J.R. Majewski, Republican candidate for U.S. Representative for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, speaks at a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar, File)

Ohio GOP Congressional candidate J.R. Majewski announced that he will not suspend his campaign after his offensive comments about Special Olympics athletes caused backlash.

After considering dropping out of the race, Majewski reaffirmed his candidacy in a statement where he condemned “attacks by the Washington Establishment Machine.”

Majewski stirred up controversy during an appearance on the “Trifecta Hour” podcast earlier this month when he compared Democrats on the internet to Special Olympics athletes who he labeled with an ableist slur. He apologized for the remarks, although some local disability advocates disputed if he was being sincere.

The Lucas County Republican Party voted to censure Majewski after his words went viral on social media.

Majewski is seeking the Republican nomination for Ohio’s Ninth Congressional District seat, which has been held by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D) since 1983. Majewski will face former Ohio state Rep. Craig Riedel, who lost momentum when audio of him criticizing Trump surfaced, and current state Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova). Ohio’s primary elections will be held on March 19.