COLUMBUS, Ohio — A once-homeless Ohio man whose smooth radio voice made him an Internet sensation a decade ago says he is not running for governor as a Democrat.
In an e-mailed statement Williams said this was something that should have never been released and it was just an idea.
Williams stated if he were given the opportunity to be in such a position, he would be excited and want to bring positive change to the Ohio people.
He also admitted that a few months ago with the excitement of it all, he let a friend and radio colleague talk him into running for office which is not what he wanted to do.
Although running for governor was not accurate Williams said he appreciated the support and comments people on social media.
Williams was propelled into the spotlight in 2011 after he appeared in a video by The Columbus Dispatch panhandling on a highway ramp with a sign advertising his golden voice. The video’s millions of views led to national television appearances and earned Williams numerous voice-over jobs.
Earlier this month, Williams originally announced his now-nixed run on Scott Spears’ “Now” radio program on WWGH-FM in Marion. He had picked the same station to announce a bid for president in 2015.
He said his presidential bid didn’t go anywhere because he “didn’t follow up on it,” but that he will have “a full-fledged group of people” around him this time to guide his campaign. The U.S. Army veteran said improving veterans’ services and prioritizing education over imprisonment would have been among his priorities.
Below is the full statement from Williams:
Greetings everyone, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news and bringing a halt to all the laughter and the shock but I am not running for Ohio Governor or any other political office. This was something that should have never been released, running was just an idea. It’s lucky for our governor because I would’ve given him a run for his money...lol, including our Mayor. In all seriousness, if I was given the opportunity to be in a position of influence of that magnitude, I would bring positive change to the people of Ohio and it would be exciting. It’s just not for me at this time. I speak with thousands of Ohio residents and others throughout our nation every day and I hear and see the needs of everyday people and their voices aren’t being heard. There is so much that needs to be done. A few months ago I expressed my passion on wanting to make positive changes in the lives of people. In the excitement of it all, I allowed a friend and radio colleague to talk me into running for office, which was NOT something I wanted to do. Before I knew it, it went live, and I found out at the same time as you all did. Making a difference in my state is near and dear to my heart, which will affect my family and generations to come but the manager and my family were dead-set against the idea of me running for office. My girlfriend of 30yrs just passed away and I’m still dealing with that. I would like to stand with someone with influence that really desires to make a positive difference in our state. In closing, to my Ohio friends, I ask that you keep me in your prayers; I love each and every one of you. Even though running for governor wasn't accurate, I saw a lot of your comments on social media and I would like to say thank you for your support and kind words, the other comments were just hilarious, so thank you for the laugh. What is true is that GREAT things are coming this year so keep an eye out. Thank you and God bless Ted "Golden Voice" Williams
