Ohio State Rep. Beth Lear (R-Galena) lost her primary this year, reports an NBC affiliate station in Columbus, Ohio. She was one of several who lost their primaries who also supported and sponsored bills against diversity, equity and inclusion in public schools.
Because Lear lost her primary in May, her final day in the state legislature will be December 31, 2026.
Talking about this on American Family Radio (AFR)'s "At the Core" program, Lear said that people who want to expand online gambling in Ohio "threw millions of dollars against people they thought would be in their way."
Lear is opposed to the expansion of gambling. She said data links gambling to high suicide rates and massive financial losses for families.
"One of the things that I've been sharing with folks is that this fight is a fight against the addiction for profit industry, because that's exactly what they are," Lear said.
A conservative Christian, Lear said there have been other challenges, but she encouraged believers to stick to their values.
"I saw what happened to conservative Christians in the legislature, and it's hard for them," said Lear. "We're called to be there, but it's hard. Many compromise, and those who don't often are just pushed to the side and deemed irrelevant."
One of the things Lear was successful in passing is Ohio's bathroom bill. It mandates that K-12 and college students in Ohio use the restrooms and locker rooms for the gender they were assigned at birth.
Also known as House Bill 183, the measure was signed into law in 2024 and took effect in February 2025.
Lear has also pushed for a Natural Family Month between Mother's Day and Father's Day. Lear's bill aimed to promote the traditional family model through scientific, religious and historical lenses though the legislation was ultimately stalled in committee.
"It breaks my heart," said Lear. "It's not that anybody would be required to celebrate Natural Family Month, but our thought was is it would give churches and others an opportunity to begin talking during this time of year that's so damaging to kids and others. They could talk about something positive in God's view."
