COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Republican elected officials loudly proclaim that they stand with children. Given Vivek Ramaswamy’s decision to double down on an ad featuring an accomplice of a child predator, these officials must answer a basic question: will  they stand by Ramaswamy, or stand up for children who have been abused and exploited?

Below is a brief collection of quotes from notable Ohio Republicans who say they care about Ohio’s kids. Do they really?

"As parents, we would never let harmful content, drug dealers, or child predators have access to our children." - Sen. Jon Husted, 7/30/26"

I've got a record of promoting justice as somebody who's prosecuted criminals, somebody who has legislated laws that protect our kids from child molesters" - Auditor Keith Faber, 10/16/26

“I always stand up and protect children.” - Secretary of State Frank LaRose, 2/8/24

“We are not willing to give up on any child…whether they’re from Southeast Ohio, Northeast Ohio or anywhere in this great state” - Former State Rep. Jay Edwards 10/7/21

"As a father of three, there is no greater role in my life than that of dad. Stability is critical for children and the family." - State Sen. Rob McColley, 6/20/25

“Saying ‘I wouldn’t have run the ad,’ isn’t enough. Either you continue you support a candidate for governor who is willing to exploit child abuse, or you aren’t,” said Innovation Ohio President Michael McGovern. “Until these Republicans pull their support from Ramaswamy, they are as bad as he is.”