WASHINGTON, DC – The Collective PAC, the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political representation across all levels of government, calls on Ohio State Senator Stephen Huffman to resign as chair of the state’s Senate Health Committee. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:
“Stephen Huffman has no place serving in the Ohio Senate, especially as Chair of the chamber’s Health Committee. For a public servant and a medical professional to boldly state “Could it just be that African Americans or the colored population do not wash their hands as well as other groups,” is disgraceful, disqualifying, and proof of his incapability to legislate and offer sound, unbiased guidance on any public policy matter—especially health care. Huffman’s statement is yet another example of the systemic racism and prejudice embedded in our institutions that was emboldened during the Trump presidency. If Senator Huffman was already fired as an ER doctor for his previous statements, he should not be rewarded with a chairmanship of the Ohio Senate Health Committee, especially during the ongoing pandemic. As COVID-19 continues its assault on our nation, Ohioans deserve leaders who will work to find solutions, especially for those disportionately affected. We call for Senator Huffman’s immediate resignation and for Senate leadership to select a chairperson who understands the racial inequities that have long plagued our health care system, and can be a strong partner to Black Ohioans in the fight against COVID-19.”
