J.R. Majewski refuses to suspend his campaign after Special Olympics ‘f—ing r—–‘ comment

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.”

They tried to write me off.

They tried to silence me.

They even wrote my own resignation letter.

But I’m not going anywhere.

To the great people of northwest Ohio, I will never stop fighting for you. pic.twitter.com/LhHoHK18RX

— JR Majewski (@JRMajewski) February 28, 2024

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.

Ohio congressional candidate J.R. Majewski (R): “Shout out to all the Democrats living in Mom’s basement, that like to talk shit on the internet.”

“It’s like being in the Special Olympics. No matter how good you perform, you’re still a fucking retard.“ pic.twitter.com/btjrG3rMZA

— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) February 15, 2024

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.