Ohio Democrats

Donate

News

ICYMI: Ohioans Call Out Jon Husted For Record of Jacking Up Utility Rates

August 5, 2026

NEW REPORT: Electric bills hit new highs across Ohio, state data shows

IRONTON, OHIO — This week, Ohioans in Ironton called out Jon Husted for his record of jacking up energy rates in Ohio — just as a new report showed electric bills have hit new highs across the state.

Jon Husted played a key role in the FirstEnergy bribery scheme, the largest public corruption scandal in Ohio that delivered a billion dollar bailout to utilities. Husted’s corruption involving the FirstEnergy scandal has contributed to electricity costs for Ohioans increasing by $663 a year.

Husted has also now voted thirteen times to support the expensive and unnecessary war in Iran that has sent gas prices soaring. Gas prices in Ohio have surged again, and national prices have reached an average of $4 a gallon after continued attacks in Iran. 

See For Yourself: 

WOWK: Ohio leaders and residents voice concerns over rising energy costs

  • Khristian Kluever, WOWK: Community leaders and residents gathered in Ironton on Monday to voice concerns about rising electric and natural gas costs, saying higher utility bills are placing added financial pressure on Ohio families.
  • Troy Scott, Ironton City Councilman: It’s really hurting so many people… everyday I’m talking to people across town who can’t necessarily afford their electric bills… who are trying to figure out what to do about the rising costs across the state. And, we continually have elected officials like Jon Husted who are not putting Ohioans first when it comes to that.

WCHS: Ohio Democrats bring energy cost message to Ironton rally

  • Bethany Jarrell, WCHS: Speakers at Monday’s rally also referenced communications and meetings between Husted and FirstEnergy executives that became public during later court proceedings, arguing those interactions should be considered by voters.
  • Sam Cramblitt, Ironton Mayor: I think for a group of individuals that promised America First should probably deliver America First and Ohio First. I think it’s time for us to select our leaders based on policies that put Ohio first.
  • Jarrell: Organizers also criticized Husted over campaign contributions from political action committees associated with Chevron and ExxonMobil and over votes related to U.S. involvement in Iran, arguing those decisions have contributed to higher energy costs. Those claims reflect the position of the Ohio Democratic Party.
  • Cramblitt: I would like people to hold their elected officials responsible for the policies they make that directly impact our daily lives.

Ironton Tribune: City officials criticize Husted on energy

  • Ironton Mayor Sam Cramblit II and city council member Troy Scott spoke on Monday about rising energy and fuel costs for Ohioans and city residents, something they said was being exacerbated by policies of U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio.
  • “We’re here today because Ohio families are getting crushed by skyrocketing energy bills and soaring gas prices,” Cramblit said. “Energy costs across the United States continue to rise due to a combination of structural grid challenges, growing electricity demand, fuel-market volatility and policy- driven changes in generation.”
  • He said this issue hits Ohioans hard, combined with rising fuel costs.
  • “And today’s fuel price volatility can be directly attributed to the war in Iran which our senator. John Husted, has voted in favor for 13 times,” Cramblit said. “It is time we select leaders that put Americans and Ohioans first and stop allowing foreign interests and multi-billion dollar corporate utility companies to dictate policies that put the cost on the backs of taxpayers.”
  • Cramblit was joined at the press conference by Ironton City Council member Troy Scott.
  • Scott said Chevron reported $12 billion in profit the last quarter, a 400 percent increase from this time last year, while ExonMobil reported $14.5 billion for the quarter, double from last year.
  • “Both of these corporations who are bleeding us dry have donated the maximum amount to Jon Husted’s campaign,” he said.
  • Ironton resident Robert McCollister was among those speaking on Monday.
  • McCollister said Husted was responsible for one of the worst energy bills passed, which he said has cost Ohioans an extra $55 a month.
  • McCollister said gas is “well above $4 a gallon” in Ironton, and said increased fuel costs “translate to higher prices” on goods such as food and clothing.
  • “The only people who are benefitting are the big oil companies, who are seeing record profits,” he said. “So who is Jon Husted really working for?”

###