SANDUSKY — U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur faces a re-match with former state Rep. Derek Merrin after Tuesday’s primary election, setting up a high-stakes rematch of the squeaker 2024 congressional race between the two Lucas County natives.
The outcome in the general election Nov. 3 could determine which party claims the majority going into 2027. The Ohio 2026 Primary Election Day was yesterday, May 5.
Kaptur, who has represented Ohio’s 9th congressional district since 1983 — making her the longest-serving woman in congressional history. Results are remain unofficial until they are certified by election officials later this month.
Merrin, who did not answer a single question during the primary campaign or respond to a single inquiry, issued a statement after Tuesday’s victory, saying Northwest Ohio was “ready for fresh new leadership.”
He served four terms as an Ohio state representative for the Toledo district from 2016 to 2025. He was the GOP nominee two years ago, with Kaptur edging him out by less than 1% of the vote.
Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams, former deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Madison Sheahan, healthcare industry worker Anthony Campbell, and Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Alea Nadeem also ran in the Republican Primary.
Kaptur vowed to defeat her opponent in the fall, calling Merrin a “self-serving politician who has spent his career showing up for himself."
President Donald Trump won this district by 11 points in 2024.
The Ohio Redistricting Commission unanimously passed a new congressional map in October, increasing the Republican advantage in the state 12-3.
Republicans currently hold 10 out of 15 Ohio U.S. Congressional districts.
There are currently 217 Republicans and 212 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives. There are five vacancies.
Ohio Capital Journal contributed to this article. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on X or on Bluesky.