Gaffegate (2020 Scandal)

The Gaffegate Scandal in 2020 was a series of gaffes and near kidnappings that put Ohio Governor Mike DeWine under investigation. He was later found innocent of all charges.

In the Summer of 2020, following strict COVID-19 responses, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam were both targets of attempted kidnappings. In October, many assumed the attempt to put Governor Mike DeWine under 'house arrest' was just another situation like what Whitmer and Northam had gone through. However, in a later statement, Governor DeWine stated “As of the current events, evidence have said that I was involved in a conspiracy of the kidnapping Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. I was not involved, however I have gotten news that Nikki Haley was involved and knowing that the Virus was growing back in January." At the time, Nikki Haley had not been in any office and therefore had no way of finding the specifics of the virus. CNN first reported on the scandal. After investigation, Governor DeWine decided to stay on the governorship of Ohio, however, his speculated chances at a Presidential or Senatorial run where hurt tremendously.