Area state senator Lang walks back warning of 'civil war' if Trump loses election

Jul. 22—While warming up the crowd before U.S. Sen. JD Vance spoke at Middletown High School on Monday, state Sen. George Lang, R-West Chester, warned of "civil war" if Donald Trump and running mate Vance lose the presidential election in November.

Lang later walked back the comments that he made on stage before Vance's first return to the area since the Middletown native was nominated to run for VP by the Republican Party.

"Remarks I made earlier today at a rally in Middletown do not accurately reflect my views," Lang said in a post on X. "I regret the divisive remarks I made in the 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."

Lang fired up the crowd at the Vance rally with a chant of "Fight, fight, fight!" before making the controversial remarks.

"We are in the fight for the soul of our nation," Lang told the crowd.

"We are in a fight for our kids and our grandkids, a fight that we can never imagine. I believe wholeheartedly Donald Trump and Butler County's JD Vance are the last chance to save our country 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. It's the greatest experiment in the history of mankind. And if we come down to a civil war, I'm glad we got people like ... the Bikers for Trump in our side."

Bikers for Trump is a group that had several representatives at the Middletown rally.

—MORE ON THE VANCE RALLY: Live updates from the scene — What he said in his speech

Tom Cooke, a Democrat from Oxford who is challenging Lang in the November election, said in a statement: "After recent calls for unity, I am appalled, but not shocked that George Lang would utter such vitriol and divisiveness, particularly in a town in his own district which ranks in the top 25% of the most violent U.S. cities."

"Elected officials who are intent on dividing are negligent in governing. We all deserve better," Cooke said.

Lang's comments were also immediately criticized by the Ohio Senate Democrats.

"Senator George Lang calling for a civil war is disgusting. Political violence has been condemned by Republicans and Democrats alike. Inciting violence over an election that hasn't even occurred yet is irresponsible and undemocratic," Ohio Senate Democrats wrote in a post on X.

Lang's district includes Middletown, Hamilton and Oxford. He has been a longtime political figure in Butler County, previously serving in the Ohio House and as a West Chester Twp. trustee. Lang was also a delegate at the Republican National Convention last week.