Ohio Senator parts ways with staffer over controversial social media posts

Ohio Senator Jon Husted ended his professional relationship with a campaign staffer after revelations about the staffer’s past social media activity came to light. The Washington Post reported that Stephen B. Woytek, a staffer on Husted’s reelection campaign, once had a Facebook profile picture displaying Nazi soldiers. It was noted that Woytek’s profile depicted SS soldiers with Soviet banners.

Further reports revealed that Woytek shared a music playlist referencing the former white-minority rule of Rhodesia. Concerns have arisen regarding individuals within the Republican Party who express white supremacist views, particularly among younger members.

A spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek that Husted chose to dismiss the 25-year-old staffer. The spokesperson stated, “Steve serves our country honorably as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and is a proud graduate of The Citadel. He studies military history and routinely reenacts historical battles. While he denies negative intent, his social media activity reflects a lack of judgment and disregards its impact on others. Sen. Husted demands better of those who represent him.”

Woytek expressed regret in a statement to The Post, saying he was “utterly heartbroken” about leaving the campaign. He confirmed that the controversial photograph was no longer visible on his profile.

Besides the image, Woytek was associated with military reenactment groups that portray the SS division depicted in his post and had recently linked a Spotify account with a Rhodesian-themed playlist.

White supremacist movements have appropriated symbols of Rhodesia in several extremist cases. Woytek emphasized in his statement, “I reject the racist and antisemitic ideology the SS and Nazi Germany represented. I believe in the importance of educating younger generations.”

Woytek’s Career Background

Woytek’s LinkedIn profile outlines his position as political director for Jon Husted for Senate since August and details his involvement in Ohio politics and military service. He has served as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives and participated in various political campaigns. Additionally, he has been linked to the offices of Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, both of which were contacted for comment.

Outside politics, Woytek is a First Lieutenant in the Ohio Army National Guard and a graduate of The Citadel.

Concerns About White Supremacy in the GOP

This incident highlights ongoing concerns related to extremist imagery within Republican campaigns. The issue arises in the context of previous incidents involving campaign staffers and controversial associations. Reports by The Hill noted a GOP staffer’s departure from a congressional office earlier over similar controversies.

Controversies aren’t isolated to the Republican Party. Former Democratic nominee Graham Platner ended his Senate campaign due to controversies including a Nazi-era symbol tattoo.

About Senator Jon Husted

Jon Husted, a prominent figure in Ohio’s Republican politics, is the state’s junior U.S. senator. Before his Senate appointment in January 2025, he served as Ohio’s lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and speaker of the Ohio House. He is currently in a competitive race against Democrat Sherrod Brown. Dismissing a top campaign aide presents an unwelcome challenge as Husted’s campaign progresses.

Questions linger over Woytek’s online activity and the campaign’s vetting effectiveness in identifying it prior to his hiring.

For further story details, editors Samantha Beech and Gray R. Thomas at Newsweek are the points of contact.