Full Breakdown
GOP Senate Campaign Volunteer Resigns After Past Conviction Is Revealed
7/11/2026, 6:04:50 AM
Core Event
A volunteer serving as the Franklin County campaign chair for U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) stepped down after NBC News disclosed his criminal history involving a minor. Andrew Havas had held the county chair position since December and introduced Husted at a Christmas party before resigning when the report surfaced.
Background & Context
Court records show Havas pleaded guilty in 2009 to a misdemeanor assault stemming from an incident with a 15-year-old in Mahoning County, Ohio. At the time of the offense he was 22. He received a 90-day jail sentence, a fine, and a court-ordered prohibition on contact with the minor. A 2008 criminal complaint alleged Havas acted “recklessly” regarding the victim’s age, noting the minor was older than 13 but younger than 16. The original charge of sexual misconduct with a minor was reduced to the misdemeanor assault before sentencing. Havas served his jail term from May to August 2009, according to Mahoning County sheriff’s office records.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for Husted’s campaign told NBC News that Havas “did not disclose” his prior conviction. The campaign said it “immediately accepted his resignation as a campaign volunteer” upon learning the facts. No comment was obtained from Havas despite NBC News’ request for a response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mr. Havas did not disclose his history to the campaign,” — Campaign spokesperson, Jon Husted campaign
- “Upon learning the facts, we immediately accepted his resignation as a campaign volunteer.” — Campaign spokesperson, Jon Husted campaign
The resignation underscores the campaign’s swift action once the volunteer’s past was brought to light, while the lack of a response from Havas leaves unanswered questions about his perspective on the matter.
