A prominent Republican donor asked for his $100,000 to be returned after his desired candidate hired former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski.
John Odom was a major backer of Louisiana gubernatorial candidate Jeff Landry, going on several trips with him and donating a substantial sum over the course of his campaign. Following Landry's hiring of Lewandowski, however, Odom has completely turned around his support. Not only is he demanding a refund, but he is also “urg[ing] the voters of Louisiana to reject Landry at the polls,” Politico reported.
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In a statement to the news outlet, Odom said he was “deeply disappointed and disgusted by Jeff Landry’s decision to hire Corey Lewandowski,” who was “unfit to serve in any capacity in any political campaign. ... I urge Landry to reconsider his decision.”
Lewandowski's hiring by Landry, who is Louisiana's attorney general, shows that it's “obvious that he is not the kind of leader that Louisiana needs,” Odom added.
The likely reasoning behind Odom's strong reaction, aside from controversies surrounding Lewandowski, is personal. The former Trump campaign manager was accused in 2021 by Odom's then-wife, Trashelle Odom, of "stalking" her and making unwanted sexual advances at a charity event in Las Vegas.
“He repeatedly touched me inappropriately, said vile and disgusting things to me, stalked me, and made me feel violated and fearful,” she said in a statement at the time. “I am coming forward because he needs to be held accountable.”
Lewandowski reached a plea deal over the charges with Nevada prosecutors in 2022.
Despite this, Trashelle Odom has come out to defend Landry.
“Jeff Landry is not just my friend but I believe he has been the strongest Attorney General in America,” she said in a statement. “He has protected children and fought for our individual rights. Jeff truly has my full and complete support for governor of the state of Louisiana.”
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Landry's campaign didn't say whether or not it planned to return Odom's donation, but it expressed optimism for his chances in the election.
“Our campaign has over 11,000 donors from every corner of Louisiana. People contribute to us because they are tired of the broken system in Baton Rouge,” Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said in a statement to Politico. “We appreciate all of the support and are looking forward to working to make Louisiana Great Again.”