On May 5, 2026, CBS News projected that Derek Merrin won the Republican primary in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, setting up a rematch with Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur in one of the nation’s most competitive House races. Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congress, has represented the district since 1983. Merrin, a former state representative, narrowly lost to Kaptur in 2024 by roughly 2,400 votes — a margin just above the automatic recount threshold — and that contest was not called until two weeks after Election Day. The district was redrawn in October 2025 to be more Republican-leaning ahead of November, a change that could make Kaptur’s reelection bid especially difficult; the Cook Political Report currently rates OH-09 a toss up. The National Republican Congressional Committee has targeted the seat, saying Republicans are poised to flip it and urging Kaptur to “start cleaning out her office now.” Merrin prevailed over four other GOP contenders: state Rep. Josh Williams; former Immigration and Customs Enforcement official Madison Sheahan; health care data scientist Anthony Campbell; and Air Force veteran Alea Nadeem. Sheahan, a late and controversial entrant who campaigned on her ICE background and drew endorsements from Urban Meyer and Ted Nugent, struggled to gain traction in the crowded field. Williams, 41, told CBS Toledo affiliate WTOL that Kaptur “has been in Congress longer than I’ve been alive.” Both Williams and Merrin emphasized their conservative credentials and leadership experience within the district.
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