Derek Merrin received the Republican main in Ohio’s ninth Congressional District on Tuesday, CBS Information projected, establishing a rematch towards longtime Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur in what’s anticipated to be probably the most contested Home races of the 12 months.
Kaptur, the longest serving lady in Congress, has held the seat since 1983.
Merrin, a former state consultant, tried to unseat Kaptur in 2024, however misplaced by about 2,400 votes — simply above the edge wanted to set off an automated recount. The race wasn’t known as till two weeks after the election.
However the northwestern Ohio district was redrawn in October 2025, making a extra Republican-leaning seat forward of November. The change is predicted to place Kaptur in her hardest bid but for reelection as Republicans attempt to preserve management of the Home. The Cook dinner Political Report has rated the district a toss up.
The Nationwide Republican Marketing campaign Committee is concentrated on flipping the ninth District, saying in January that “Republicans are poised to flip OH-09 purple and retire out of contact, profession politician Marcy Kaptur. Kaptur ought to go forward and begin cleansing out her workplace now.”
Merrin beat 4 different GOP candidates on the first poll, together with state Rep. Josh Williams, former Immigrations and Customs Enforcement official Madison Sheahan, well being care knowledge scientist Anthony Campbell and Air Power veteran Alea Nadeem.
Sheahan was a controversial late entry within the race, and has campaigned on her position at ICE, and racked up endorsements from former Ohio State College coach City Meyer and MAGA movie star Ted Nugent. However she struggled to realize traction within the crowded subject.
Williams, 41, instructed CBS Toledo affiliate WTOL that Kaptur “has been in Congress longer than I have been alive.” Each Williams and Merrin touted their conservative credentials and longtime management within the district.
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