Former Ohio gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Representative Jim Renacci has denounced Governor Mike DeWine’s decision to veto House Bill 68, saying such legislation is “the easiest bill for a Republican Governor to sign.”
I hate to say I told you all so about DeWine…..HB68 is the easiest bill for a RepublIcan Governor to sign.
DeWine is not a Republican.
But Ohio allows Democrats to vote in the Republican primary. Which is how DeWine was nominated. Husted can not hide from this either.
— Jim Renacci (@JimRenacci) December 29, 2023
“I hate to say I told you all so about DeWine…..HB68 is the easiest bill for a Republican Governor to sign,” Renacci wrote on X. “DeWine is not a Republican. But Ohio allows Democrats to vote in the Republican primary. Which is how DeWine was nominated. Husted can not hide from this either.”
House Bill 68 is a combination of two bills: the Saving Ohio Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act and the Save Women’s Sports Act.
The SAFE Act, if enacted, would prevent doctors from providing minors with gender-affirming care. The Save Women’s Sports Act, if enacted, would prevent biological males who identify as transgender from participating in girls’ and womens’ sports.
While Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted announced his support for the bill prior to DeWine’s veto, Renacci says Husted “does not get to issue opinions” on the legislation.
HUSTED does not get to issue opinions on HB 68.
He either condems DeWine's actions or he accepts them.
There is no middle ground. Ask Mary Taylor who you smeared for not condemning Kasich's actions.
— Jim Renacci (@JimRenacci) December 29, 2023
“He either condems DeWine’s actions or he accepts them. There is no middle ground,” Renacci added.
In another X post on Saturday, Renacci pointed out the recent ratification of Issue 1 and Issue 2 in the Buckeye State, questioning the political climate in the state.
“Is this a Democrat State?? Largest state budget SPENDING in history. Abortions ALLOWED in constitution. Recreational Marijuana legal. 5 of the most dangerous cities in the US. Governor who vetoes Bill that denies biological men from competing in woman sports. NO.. .It’s Ohio,” Renacci said.
Renacci ran against DeWine in 2022, however was defeated by the incumbent governor in the primary.
Previously serving as the former mayor of Wadsworth, Renacci also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2019, representing Ohio’s 16th Congressional District.
One X user called on Renacci to run against DeWine in the 2026 primary, saying, “Jim Renacci we need you to run again, people will not vote at all if No one runs against DeWine. Ohio has had Enough! Drain The Swamp of Ohio.”
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Jim Renacci” by Jim Renacci and “Gov. Mike DeWine” in by Gov. Mike DeWine.
