Leslie Wexner, the CEO of L Brands and the biggest GOP donor in Ohio, announced he was leaving the Republican party after former President Barack Obama visited Columbus on Thursday for a campaign rally for Ohio governor candidate Richard Cordray.
Wexner, who has been a Republican since joining the Young Republican Club at Ohio State during his college years, said he “just decided” he was no longer a supporter of the party, The Columbus Dispatch reported.
The decision came after Obama spoke on stage in Columbus in an event closed to reporters.
Wexner said he was “struck by the genuineness of the man; his candor, humility and empathy for others.”
The billionaire, who has been a vocal critic of Trump, noted that he was now an Independent, and that he would not “support this nonsense in the Republican Party.”
Wexner has previously donated large sums to groups promoting bipartisanship and civility, USA Today reported.
His contributions include $2.8 million to With Honor, a “cross-partisan” PAC as well as over $200,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee, and $33,900 to a political action committee that backed House Speaker Paul Ryan, as detailed on the Federal Election Commission website.
Wexner said Obama’s visit was “a great moment for the community,” as he “came here because of the partnership and the things we have done, and the knowledge that civility is a priority for our community,” The Dispatch said.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.