Ohio’s 2026 primary election day is May 5 (Getty photos)
Derek Merrin won the Republican primary in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District and will now face Democratic Rep. in the November 3 election. USA Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, as predicted by the Associated Press.
Former Ohio Republican Derek Merrin will face Kaptur, who has represented Ohio’s 9th Congressional District since 1983, making her the longest-serving woman in congressional history.
The results will remain unofficial until confirmed by election officials later this month.
“Northwest Ohio is ready for fresh new leadership.” Merrin stated in a press release. “That’s why we’re going to beat Marcy Kaptur in November. After decades in Washington, he is part of the problem, not the solution. Our campaign offers a clear alternative: fresh leadership, a focus on cutting costs, supporting law and order, and putting Northwest Ohio first. Tonight is the beginning.”
Merrin was a four-term Ohio state representative from Toledo from 2016 to 2025. He lost a close race to Hood in the 2024 election.
Ohio Rep. Josh Williams, former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Administration deputy director Madison Sheahan, health care industry worker Anthony Campbell and Air Force Lt. Col. Alea Nadeem also ran in the Republican primary.
In 2024, President Donald Trump won this district by 11 points.
The Ohio Redistricting Commission passed unanimously fresh congress map in October, increasing Republicans edge in the state 12-3.
Republicans currently hold 10 of Ohio’s 15 congressional districts.
There are currently 217 Republicans and 212 Democrats in the House of Representatives US House of Representatives. There are five vacant positions.
Ohio District 1
The winner was former CIA officer Eric Conroy Republican primary in Ohio’s 1st Congressional DistrictAssociated Press projects.
“Republican voters in southwest Ohio sent a clear message: it’s time for new leadership,” Eric Conroy said in a statement. “I am grateful, I am humbled and I am ready to get to work.”
President Donald Trump supported this Conroy in the election.
Former businesswoman Holly Adams and nonprofit CEO Rosemary Oglesby-Henry also ran in the Republican primary.
Ohio Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman of Cincinnati defeated Damon Lynch IV in the Democratic primary, according to unofficial results from the Associated Press.
Conroy will now face Landsman, who has served in Congress since 2023, in the Nov. 3 election.
Ohio’s 13th district
Carey Coleman won Republican primary for Ohio’s 13th congressional district– the Associated Press also predicted.
Bbusinesswoman Margaret Briem, Leetonia Mayor Kevin Siembida, medical school graduate Sanjin Drakovac and businessman Neil Patel also ran in the Republican primary.
Coleman will do it now is challenging Ohio Democratic Party incumbent Emilia Sykes, who has served in Congress since 2023.
Follow Ohio Capital Journal reporter Megan Henry on X Or on Bluesky.
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