Husted hangs up on Seniors of Sandusky

Senator won't be at Social Security forum next month

Jul 10, 2026

SANDUSKY — Ohio U.S. Senator Jon Husted has a plan for where he will be on August 20: No where near the UAW Hall in Sandusky.

That’s where residents will gather for a forum about the future of Social Security and Medicare. Husted finally responded earlier today to an invite he’s had for many months to attend and participate in the forum.

“The scheduling department responded he will not be able attend,” Lorie Brodie, Husted’s regional director, wrote in an email to Serving Our Seniors. “We have received letters from seniors in your area and we are working on responding to each one individually concerning any questions they may have.”

Since being appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fill the Senate seat vacated by J.D. Vance when Vance became vice president in January 2025, Husted and his staff have failed to respond to all press inquiries from StayTunedSandusky.com, and other news organizations.

They didn’t offer any explanation to Serving Our Seniors, which represents more than 20,000 Erie County residents age 60 and older, why Husted is refusing to participate, or send anyone to the forum.

“I’m disappointed,” said Daugherty, the executive director of Serving Our Seniors. “This is an important issue, and given the advance notice, the amount of time given for them to arrange this, and we changed the date to accommodate their schedules. It’s disappointing they can’t fit this into Sen. Husted’s schedule.”

The forum will still happen as planned, Daugherty said. She’s still hoping U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, who also took office in January 2025, will accept the invitation. The 9th District will be represented at the forum; U.S. Rep.Marcy Kaptur has already agreed to participate, or have someone from her office participate.

It’s Congress’ job to manage the program. Under the current structure, by 2031 age Social Security Trust Fund could is projected to be underfunded, and automatic benefits cuts up to 28% or more (-$300 for every $1,000 in current benefits) could occur.

Make reservations to attend the Social Security forum from 1:30-3 p.m. Aug. 20 at the UAW Hall on Hayes Avenue by calling 419-504-0585. The forum is audience participation, Q&A with a panel of experts. Sponsors of the forum are Serving Our Seniors and StayTunedSndusky.com.

Moreno, whose staff has been even more hostile to the press than Husted since he took office, recently co-authored a New York Times op ed with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren supporting a bipartisan approach to solving the Social Security and Medicare funding crisis.

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