JR Majewski, a controversial congressional candidate, is potentially dropping out of the Ohio GOP House race just days after early voting began in the state.
Majewski, an Air Force veteran, launched his second bid to oust Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) last April.
He overcame a crowded primary field in 2022 and became the Republican nominee after former President Trump endorsed his campaign, but his campaign collapsed after it was revealed he lied about serving in combat in Afghanistan. He spent six months on a base in Qatar, according to public records and The Associated Press (AP).
Majewski confirmed to Politico that he was seriously considering ending his campaign but hadn’t decided yet. He recounted to the outlet that he told people “what they wanted to hear” to keep them “at bay” while he figured out what he would do.
“I’m being asked by some people to drop out,” he told Politico. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do yet.”
Sources told the outlet that Majewski said he is in talks to take a position with Trump. The candidate said he spoke with the Trump team but said it was not about a potential job.
Majewski has been criticized for his presence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, but has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Voting rights group Public Wise previously released a six-figure ad against him and said he is “affiliated with an alt-right conspiracy group.” He was a promoter of QAnon, a right-wing conspiracy theory, the AP reported.
Ohio’s 9th District has leaned Democratic in the past, but a new congressional map changed its makeup to lean Republican. It has put Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in congressional history, in the sights of the GOP.
Majewski still has three weeks to decide, with the Ohio primary on March 19, and is known to change his mind.
After joining the race last April, Majewski dropped out in May, citing his mother’s health. He rejoined the race to take on Kaptur last October and has campaigned since.
The Hill has reached out to the Majewski campaign for further comment.