Medina Today

Pro-life advocate and author Abby Johnson recently endorsed Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci and running mate Joe Knopp. The candidates are attempting to unseat incumbent Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R-Ohio).

Johnson wrote the book "Unplanned," which has been made into a movie and has earned praise from former president Donald Trump and his administration, according to a press release from Renacci's office.

"As a pro-life advocate, I am excited to endorse the Renacci/Knopp ticket for governor of Ohio," Johnson said, according to the press release. "Both of these patriots have fought through adversity, not only to achieve their own American dream, but to make sure that each and every Ohioan is able to follow in their footsteps. In a time where we are faced with mandates, indoctrination, and assaults on the dignity of human life, it is imperative that we have principled and courageous leadership."

Johnson continued, "The people of Ohio deserve better than the incompetent leadership they have received from Mike DeWine over these past two years. This election is crucial. Do not sit this one out, conservatives! Vote Renacci/Knopp for governor of Ohio!"

Renacci responded to Johnson's words.

"Joe and I will be the biggest supporters of life Ohio has ever known," Renacci said, according to the press release. "We are gracious for Ms. Johnson’s endorsement. She knows our character and commitment to this issue." 

Running mate Knopp spoke as well. 

"Abby does not hand out endorsements," Knopp said. "She is thoughtful and takes this seriously. She knows what Mike DeWine has done to our state and she knows we are the team to fix it."

Johnson is not alone in her endorsement. Renacci and Knopp have won the endorsements of multiple pro-life groups, including Warren County Right to Life, Dayton Right to Life, and Cincinnati Right to Life, according to the Cincy Reporter.

The Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio (RTLACO) endorsed Renacci in March, according to the Buckeye Reporter.

Renacci's running mate, Joe Knopp, was inspired to seek the position of lieutenant governor because abortion clinics remained open during the pandemic, while other businesses were forced to close.

"The church I attend in Dayton, Ohio, is two miles down the road from the abortion clinic," Knopp said. "I wasn't able to attend my church during COVID; however, the abortion clinic was open the entire time, and that was Gov. DeWine’s responsibility."

Renacci said that if elected, he will appoint an unborn child advocate, which would be a high-priority position, according to the Buckeye Reporter. When he served as a congressman, Renacci co-sponsored the federal Heartbeat Protection Act, which would have prohibited doctors from performing abortions after determining that a fetus had a heartbeat. The legislation failed to advance beyond the House.

DeWine, 75, is one of the longest-serving public officials in state history, having held elected office for 41 years, according to West Hamilton News. That includes stints in the Ohio State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate and as Ohio attorney general and Ohio lieutenant governor.

DeWine will face off against Jim Renacci in the May 3 GOP gubernatorial primary, according to Ballotpedia. The winner will go on to appear on ballots for the general election on Nov. 8.