Cleveland Reporter

Ohio business owner Charlie Callani of Charlie’s Auto Repair is among 100 entrepreneurs who recently endorsed GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci in his bid to unseat incumbent Gov. Mike DeWine. 

According to a press release from Renacci's office, Callani chose to endorse Renacci because of the harm DeWine's pandemic-related lockdowns caused to Ohio businesses.

"Renacci has been in our shoes, the government did this to him when they took his Chevy dealership," Callani said, according to the press release. "Governor Dewine has never taken accountability for what he did to Ohioans, destroying our small businesses. In fact he has doubled down. Well on May 3rd, we will hold him accountable." 

Callani is one of 100 Ohio business owners who recently endorsed Renacci in his bid to unseat incumbent DeWine, Ohio Business Daily reported. Other entrepreneurs who have officially backed Renacci's campaign include Mario Innocenzi of Mario's Barber Shop, Martin Kerr of Kerr Legal, Bruce Sauer of eOhio Realty and Andrew Pappas of Cleaner Concepts.

"I am beyond humbled as I look over this list of business leaders. It’s not Ohio’s politicians, it’s people like these that make Ohio run," Renacci said, according to the press release. "As a business guy who has now spent four decades in the business world, I know what it takes to succeed and I know what it feels like when the government gets in your way. When I am elected governor, Ohio will see leadership that gets the engines of this state firing again."

Renacci was spurred to run for Congress in 2010 after the Obama administration forced General Motors dealerships across the country to close in 2009, according to Renacci's website. Renacci had been running one of those dealerships, and 50 Ohioans lost their jobs when it was shut down. Renacci won his election by 9% and went to Washington to defend the rights and livelihoods of hardworking Americans.

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