Ohio voters were told by Republican Sen. Jon Husted to support “local small businesses.” But the businesses featured in the ad were all in Washington, D.C.
Husted appeared in a television public service announcement urging viewers to support small businesses that aired across multiple Ohio media markets, despite the fact that all of the businesses highlighted in the advertisement were based in Washington, D.C.
The ad aired on stations in Toledo, Columbus and Cleveland and featured Husted alongside three business owners discussing the importance of small businesses to their communities. The advertisement did not disclose that the businesses shown were located outside Ohio.
In the spot, Husted encouraged viewers to support small businesses, calling them “the core of our communities.” The advertisement concluded with a message stating it was sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters and the airing station.
One of the businesses shown in the ad was Cinder BBQ, a restaurant operating in Washington, D.C. The segment included footage of one of the restaurant’s owners speaking inside the business.
Another segment featured La Coop Coffee Company. The company’s founder appeared on camera discussing small businesses, while the company itself operates in Washington, D.C.
The ad also highlighted Lighthouse Yoga Center. The studio’s owner spoke about her business, which is located in the District of Columbia.
Television airplay records show the ad aired on WTOL in Toledo, WBNS in Columbus and WKYC in Cleveland as of Oct. 22, 2025. At no point did the advertisement disclose the location of the businesses featured.
Husted was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by now–Vice President J.D. Vance in 2025. He is seeking election to a full term in the Senate this year and is expected to face former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in November.
