Republican J.R. Majewski has campaigned for a northwestern Ohio congressional seat by presenting himself as an Air Force combat veteran who deployed to Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Military records and an Air Force accounting of his service tell a different story.
They indicate Majewski never deployed to Afghanistan, but instead completed a six-month stint helping to load planes at an airbase in Qatar, a longtime U.S. ally that was a safe distance from the fighting.
Majewski’s account of his time in the military is just one aspect of his biography that's suspect.
His post-military career has been defined by exaggerations, conspiracy theories, talk of violent action against the U.S. government, and occasional financial duress.
Majewski was also at the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 insurrection, but has said he didn't do anything illegal. He has also falsely claimed the FBI was behind the insurrection.
He won former Presidents Trump’s endorsement in the primary by turning his lawn into a huge "Trump 2020" sign.
Majewski’s campaign declined to make him available for an interview and in a lengthy statement issued to the AP did not directly address questions about his claim of deploying to Afghanistan. A spokeswoman declined to provide additional comment when the AP followed up with additional questions.
Majewski is running against incumbent Rep. Marcy Kaptur, who has been in office since 1983, in a district that was changed by the redistricting process.
