TOLEDO, Ohio — The Lucas County Republican Party has voted to censure 9th Congressional District candidate JR Majewski for a comment he made disparaging people with special needs.
The executive committee voted on the censure Sunday, the party announced Monday afternoon on social media. A censure is a formal condemnation of a member's actions.
Majewski compared arguing online to competing in the Special Olympics in an offensive way during an episode of a conservative podcast that aired in early February.
The Lucas County Republican Party called Majewski's comments "reprehensible, uncaring and inappropriate."
Majewski released an apology following public backlash he received for the incident, 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 during the apology he posted to social media. "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).
Disability advocates and representatives of Special Olympics also 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.”
