CINCINNATI, OH | August 8, 2024 — Orlando Sonza released the following statement after the Cincinnati FOP 1900 Club's decision to endorse Greg Landsman in OH-01:

"It’s very disappointing the Cincinnati FOP chose to support a guy who worked nonstop during his tenure to defund the police. Time and time again, Democrats, like Greg Landsman, stand with criminals instead of law enforcement, and I think the FOP membership knows that."

Additionally, former Cincinnati FOP President Dan Hils released the following statement on the 1900 Club's decision to endorse Landsman:

The Cincinnati FOP’s decision to endorse Greg Landsman despite Landsman’s clear and destructive history of anti-police action was an act of ignorance and disrespect to our law enforcement officers. It flies directly in the face of all the hard working men and women who have made the selfless sacrifice to protect our city from those who wish to do us harm. I cannot more strongly urge the FOP leadership to rescind its endorsement of Landsman and instead endorse Orlando Sonza, who has been unwavering in his support of the police.

Greg Landsman has demonstrated, on countless occasions, that protecting our police officers and emboldening them to do their jobs is something he is unconcerned with. In fact, his history on this matter shows that he has actively tried to subvert both the Cincinnati Police Department’s and law enforcement around the country’s ability to protect citizens from crime.

For example:

● He introduced a plan to take two hundred thousand dollars away from the Cincinnati Police Department while CPD was short-staffed for police officers. The money would instead go to an independent organization that investigates complaints against the police department.

● As a Cincinnati City Councilman, Greg Landsman voted to take $9.4 million away from the new police District 5 headquarters to fund an unrelated infrastructure project.

● In June 2020, Landsman “voted to remove about $1 million of a proposed increase for the police department,” in order to fund “other supportive programs.”

These are just a small number of the measures Greg Landsman directly supported that are opposed to the Cincinnati Police and its officers. It is the duty of lawmakers to embolden and protect our law enforcement officers to keep our cities safe and clean. Landsman has done the opposite. Orlando Sonza, as someone who has served in the United States Army and as an assistant prosecutor in Hamilton County, understands the sacrifice our law enforcement officers make. Greg Landsman does not. The decision by the Cincinnati FOP to endorse Landsman is a spit in the face at best, or an act of contempt at worst, towards the selfless and courageous men and women who sacrifice everyday to keep us safe.

Daniel Hils, Retired CPD Sergeant and former FOP President