Ohio GOP state senator who warned of 'civil war' rolls back 'divisive' comments

Hours after Ohio state senator George Lang (R-Butler) said "'it’s going to take a civil war to save the country" during 2024 GOP vice presidential nominee Senator J.D. Vance's "first solo" rally in his hometown of Middletown on Monday, the Republican leader "regrets" his warning.

"I believe wholeheartedly Donald Trump and Butler County's JD Vance are the last chance to save our country,” Lang told the crowd. "Politically, I'm afraid if we lose this one, it's going to take a civil war to save the country — and it will be saved."

US Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) responded to Lang's comments via X, writing, "Don’t say that. Not in Ohio. Not anywhere. No more political violence."

READ MORE: Ohio GOP state senator: 'It’s going to take a civil war to save the country’ if Dems win

He added, "Win or lose, we’re all still in this together. Everyone must condemn this today to ensure this kind of rhetoric and thinking goes no where else."

According to Cincinnati television station WLWT, Lang on Monday night posted via X, saying he "regrets his 'divisive remarks.'"

Lang wrote: "Remarks I made earlier today at a rally in Middletown, do not accurately reflect my views. I regret the divisive remarks I made in excitement of the moment on stage. Especially in light of the assassination attempt on President Trump last week, we should all be mindful of what is said at political events, myself included."

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