THE FACTS

Here we go again... Yet another political race tainted by outside influences, false claims, half-truths, and disingenuous maneuvering.  As a result, the Hoops for State Senate campaign is providing the below facts. 

Our nation’s and our state’s founders created strong institutions to protect our rights and freedoms, but those institutions depend on the character of the people who serve within them. The tone and conduct of a candidate's political campaign say much about how that person will lead. In Northwest Ohio, we live by a high standard of earning the trust and respect of our neighbors through hard work, honesty, and integrity. We are people who lift each other up, not tear each other down. Moreover, we understand how important it is to assist and empower our local government to serve our needs and ensure our safety. It’s the township trustees, mayors, village councils, county commissioners, sheriffs, and other local officials who truly know and understand these needs. As a state representative, Jim Hoops has worked directly and diligently with our local elected officials throughout northwest Ohio to build productive relationships that get things done for our fellow citizens. As your state senator, Jim Hoops will continue to do just that.

The "MAGA Candidate" False Claim

Jim Hoops opponent in the race for Ohio's 1st Senate seat, Craig Riedel, is falsely claiming he's the MAGA candidate, hoping people will forget why Craig Riedel lost his last two Republican primary elections when running for Congress. President Trump knows the truth and called Craig Riedel a "RINO," said Craig Riedel is "no friend of MAGA," and called on Northwest Ohio voters to reject Craig Riedel at the ballot box. The late Charlie Kirk also made comments about Craig Riedel after Riedel bad-mouthed President Trump, calling Craig Riedel a "two-faced, lying snake". You can view both President Trump's and Charlie Kirk's comments below:

The "Men in Women's Sports" False Claim

Craig Riedel has made false claims that Jim Hoops supports men in women's sports. Nothing can be further from the truth. Jim Hoops opposes biological males being allowed to play in women's sports. Jim was a co-sponsor of House Bill 68, the "Save Women's Sports Act". Not only did Jim co-sponsor and cast his "YES" vote for passage of this bill, but also cast his "YES" vote to override the governor's veto of the legislation. The veto override was successful and the bill is now an Ohio law. You can see how Jim Hoops voted on HB68 by visiting this link: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/135/hb68

The "2nd Amendment" False Claim

Craig Riedel has made false claims that Jim Hoops does not support the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution. Meanwhile, Buckeye Firearms has endorsed Jim Hoops in the May 5, 2026 Republican Primary race for Ohio 1st District Senate seat, stating that Jim Hoops record is "simply without a 2nd Amendment flaw."