TOLEDO, Ohio —
Political opponents and others are calling on Republican candidate J.R. Majewski to drop out of the race for the Ohio 9th Congressional District seat after a comment he made disparaging people with special needs.
On an episode of a conservative podcast called "Trifecta Hour" Majewski compared arguing online to competing in the Special Olympics in an offensive way. The episode aired earlier in February but is no longer available.
Majewski released an apology Sunday on social media, saying that as someone who is not a career politician, he makes mistakes.
"Recently on a podcast I made some comments that were extremely insensitive and they disparaged those with special needs," Majewski said. "Now, that wasn't my intention, however, I did say some things that I regret."
Majewski is one of four Republicans running to unseat incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur (D, Toledo.) Majewski won the Republican primary in the Ohio 9th Congressional District in 2022 but lost to Kaptur in the general election.
Disability advocates and representatives of Special Olympics also have condemned Majewski for his offensive language and ignorance of the program for special-needs athletes.
Stuart James, the executive director of The Ability Center, said Majewski's apology did not seem sincere. He said he did not believe the comment deserved the attention it has been getting.
"He's just not often the smartest guy in the room and I think he just showed it," James said. "I think it's unfortunate because a lot of the athletes that participate in the Special Olympics are the smartest people in the room. They're certainly the wisest."
Special Olympics Ohio President and Chief Executive Officer Jessica Stewart responded to Majewski's comment with this statement:
“In building communities of respect and inclusivity, it is important to understand how words or actions can hurt others. For people with intellectual disability, and those who support and love them, use of the disparaging 'R-word' or degrading the life-changing impact of Special Olympics around the world and here in Ohio, is not acceptable.”
“We welcome Mr. Majewski and everyone to attend our 2024 State Indoor Winter Games happening this weekend, February 23-25, on the campus of Bowling Green State University so they can meet Special Olympics athletes and see their abilities first-hand.”
His opponents in the four-candidate Republican primary have released statements criticizing his comments.
"Make no mistake about it this is not a little gaffe," said Steve Lankenau. "This is a slur on many beautiful, wonderful people who are every bit are equal. It's incredibly hurtful and cruel. What I would call on him to do is clean it up, to fly right as we say and to be respectful to everyone whether they look like him or talk like him or think like him, we're all equal."
"His cruel comments are a disgrace," said State Rep. Derek Merrin (R, Monclova). "They denigrate human life and are reprehensible."
Craig Riedel's campaign sent this statement: "J.R. Majewski is a proven loser. Marcy Kaptur beat him by double digits last time and she will do it again if he is the nominee. It is deeply troubling to see him comparing Democrats to people with disabilities. His comments are not only disgusting but absolutely disqualifying. J.R. should immediately bow out of this race after this comment. This type of rhetoric does not belong in Washington D.C.."
More on WTOL: