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Columbus, Ohio- Today, reporting from the Columbus Dispatch highlighted new filings in the bribery case against former FirstEnergy Executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling that indicated bribes may have been paid to more public officials than previously known.

This latest development comes on the heels of a new HBO documentary that spotlighted Ohio’s FirstEnergy bribery scandal, which has already led to federal charges and sentences for former Speaker Larry Householder. Under Republican control, Ohio has earned a reputation as the most corrupt state government in the country– and we’re still learning about more corrupt Ohio politicians every day.

READ: Are the feds going to say FirstEnergy execs bribed more Ohio public officials?

• Attorneys defending for former FirstEnergy CEO want prosecutors to disclose if their client is being accused of bribing more, not yet named, Ohio politicos. 

• New filings in the case against Chuck Jones signal that prosecutors may allege that bribes were paid to more public officials − beyond former Ohio House speaker Larry Householder and former utility regulator Sam Randazzo.

• Jones and his attorneys are trying to force federal prosecutors to give them more details on who he allegedly bribed. In a legal filing made April 11, Jones’ legal team says a recent letter from prosecutors suggest the government may allege that Jones conspired to bribe other public officials.

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Columbus, Ohio- This evening at 9 p.m., HBO will air a documentary on Ohio’s House Bill 6 corruption scandal, during which Ohio Republicans, led by then Speaker Larry Householder and current Senator Jon Husted, raised energy bills for Ohioans while bailing out the billionaires who had bribed them. Husted still refuses to answer questions about his involvement even after reporting has revealed his close involvement with the scandal.

Husted claimed he had no role in the legislative process surrounding HB6, but texts from FirstEnergy executives revealed that he was deeply involved in passing the legislation. FirstEnergy made secret donations to his campaign- which of course he refuses to answer questions about.

Under the DeWine/Husted administration, Ohio was named the most corrupt state government in the country. Former public officials and lobbyists have already faced federal charges- and state charges are ongoing. 

READ: Ohio Capital Journal: New texts allegedly show Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted leading FirstEnergy’s push for House Bill 6

• Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted allegedly led the charge with now-indicted FirstEnergy executives to pass legislation that was the result of the largest corruption scheme in state history, according to newly released text messages.

• Both DeWine and Husted have continuously denied any involvement, and law enforcement has not accused either of wrongdoing.

• But a public records request reveals Husted’s ties to former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and VP Michael Dowling — the ones who helped fund his campaign.

• Once in office, records show that it was Husted, not DeWine, who allegedly helped lead the charge for the bailout bill.

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Columbus, Ohio- Tomorrow, HBO will air a documentary on Senator Husted’s corruption scandal where he led the push to pass bailouts for billionaires while raising energy bills for Ohioans. Husted still refuses to answer questions about his involvement even after reporting has revealed his close involvement with the scandal.

Husted claimed he had no role in the legislative process surrounding HB6, but texts from FirstEnergy executives revealed that he was deeply involved in passing the legislation. FirstEnergy made secret donations to his campaign- which of course he refuses to answer questions about.

“Tomorrow, the rest of the country will once again see that under Husted and his fellow Republicans, Ohio is known as the capitol of corruption,” said Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Katie Seewer. “Ohioans deserve a senator who is focused on advocating for our state- not running away from the corruption scandal he created.”

MORE on Husted’s history with Ohio’s largest-ever corruption scandal can be found at StateOfficalTwo.com or below. 

Ohio Capital Journal: New texts allegedly show Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted leading FirstEnergy’s push for House Bill 6

• Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted allegedly led the charge with now-indicted FirstEnergy executives to pass legislation that was the result of the largest corruption scheme in state history, according to newly released text messages.

• Both DeWine and Husted have continuously denied any involvement, and law enforcement has not accused either of wrongdoing.

• But a public records request reveals Husted’s ties to former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and VP Michael Dowling — the ones who helped fund his campaign.

• Once in office, records show that it was Husted, not DeWine, who allegedly helped lead the charge for the bailout bill.

Cleveland.com: FirstEnergy made secret $1 million payment for ‘Husted campaign’ in 2017, documents show

• FirstEnergy Corp., at the onset of what would become one of the biggest public corruption schemes in state history, gave a $1 million “dark money” contribution to a nonprofit backing Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, new records show.

Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Lt. Gov. Husted denies knowledge of corruption scheme in wake of FirstEnergy texts

• Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted adamantly denied prior knowledge of the largest bribery scheme in state history after we discovered text messages from FirstEnergy executives alleging he led the push for House Bill 6.

• He also seemed aggravated by follow-up questions asking how he was ignorant of the plot.

Cleveland.com: Lt. Gov. Husted’s says he has no memory of name-drops detailed in FirstEnergy bribery scandals

•  Lt. Gov. Jon Husted offered few answers about records connecting him to two related bribery scandals in state politics, stating he doesn’t remember a series of events or conversations depicted in messages revealed in indictments and at trial for those involved.

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Columbus, Ohio- In case you missed it, earlier this week the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) added three Ohio Congressional seats currently held by Republicans to their in-play list, highlighting districts where Democrats will compete in 2026. As Republicans continue to screw over Ohioans and then hide from them, Democrats are ready to go on offense and take their seats in 2026.

Districts targeted include Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep Max Miller, Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep Mike Turner, and Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep Mike Carey.

“Ohioans are ready for new leadership – and we’ve still got over a year of chaos and confusion from Republicans before voters head to the polls,” said Ohio Democratic Party Executive Director Alexis Nielson. “In a challenging political environment last year, Ohio Democrats held on to all three of our frontline congressional seats. Now, we’re ready to go on offense and fight for the representation Ohioans deserve.”

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LORAIN, Ohio- In case you missed it, last night Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joined over 1900 fired-up Ohioans in Lorain for the People’s Town Hall hosted by the Ohio Democratic Party. While Republicans continue to drive up costs, rip away healthcare, and then refuse to explain themselves to their constituents, Democrats are showing up.

This event was the second sold out town hall in as many days. Ohioans deserve better than their Republican congressional delegation, and they’re making their voices heard. 

On a Tuesday that doubled as Guardians opening day, Lorain turned out in droves to show Republicans that they’re paying attention and they’re demanding answers.” said Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Katie Seewer. “From current and future teachers to military families and more, Ohioans from all walks of life are fed up with a government that isn’t working for them. While Republicans hid, we’re grateful to Governor Walz for joining us and listening to them.

READ MORE coverage of the People’s Town Hall in Lorain below:

Chronicle Telegram: Tim Walz speaks at People’s Town Hall in Lorain

• Nearly 2,000 people packed Lorain High School’s performing arts center and gymnasium to hear from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday. The town hall, hosted by the Ohio Democratic Party and the former vice presidential candidate, was billed as “The People’s Town Hall” for constituents of U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, who […] has not held a town hall in his district in some time.

• As Walz took the stage Tuesday evening, the crowd in Lorain’s auditorium erupted into cheers. “Thank you for doing this in a high school,” Walz, a former teacher, quipped. “The only other place I’m more comfortable is in my living room.”

• Education took center stage throughout the evening, as Ohio legislators consider a biennial budget that could cut funding from public schools while increasing funding for voucher programs. 

• “If they were proud of these proposals, they would be out here in front of their people bragging about them,” Walz told the Chronicle-Telegram shortly before the town hall. “But none of them are showing up, and in fact their leadership is not going to show up.”

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