A former Ohio state representative has secured the Republican nomination for the 9th Congressional District, positioning himself for a second attempt to unseat the longest-serving congresswoman in American history.
Derek Merrin emerged victorious from a five-candidate primary field, capturing 25,024 votes, representing 44.1 percent of the total. His nearest competitor, state Representative Josh Williams, received 14,366 votes or 25.32 percent. Madison Sheahan, who previously served as deputy director of ICE under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, placed third with 11,467 votes, accounting for 20.21 percent.
The primary victory sets the stage for a November rematch between Merrin and Democratic Representative Marcy Kaptur, who has represented the district since 1983. In their previous encounter in 2024, Kaptur retained her seat by a narrow margin of 2,382 votes.
Merrin, who served four terms in the Ohio House from 2016 to 2025, faces significant challenges in his bid to flip the traditionally Democratic stronghold. Campaign finance reports indicate Kaptur maintains a substantial fundraising advantage with over $3.1 million in available funds, while Merrin has less than $200,000 in untapped contributions following the primary.
The political landscape has shifted since their last contest. A redistricting effort completed in October 2025 has altered the district boundaries, potentially making it more competitive for Republican candidates. Political analysts have adjusted their predictions accordingly, with Sabato’s Crystal Ball updating the race to “leans Republican” on May 4, though the Cook Political Report continues to classify it as one of 16 toss-up races in the upcoming midterms.
The district, which encompasses Toledo, Sandusky, and surrounding areas, presents a complex electoral environment. While residents voted overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Kaptur has maintained strong local support throughout her 22-term tenure.
Kaptur, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, has already begun contrasting her record with Merrin’s positions. She has criticized his support for Ohio House Bill 96, the state budget that includes a flat tax structure. According to Policy Matters analysis, this tax plan would primarily benefit individuals earning over $1.8 million annually.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has also highlighted Merrin’s refusal to vote for the removal of former Ohio Speaker Larry Householder after his federal racketeering indictment. Householder was subsequently convicted of bribery charges related to a billion-dollar taxpayer-funded bailout of two nuclear power plants.
Rounding out the Republican primary field were Alea Nadeem, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, who received 3,101 votes (5.47 percent), and Anthony Campbell, a healthcare worker, who garnered 2,781 votes (4.9 percent). Total voter turnout for the district’s primary election reached 56,739 participants according to unofficial results from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.
The November election will test whether Republican momentum and redistricting advantages can overcome Kaptur’s deep roots in northwest Ohio, where she was born and raised. Both campaigns are expected to intensify their messaging on economic issues, healthcare, and tax policy as they compete for this potentially pivotal congressional seat.
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