Marcy Kaptur Secures 22nd Term in Ohio's 9th Congressional District

The longest-serving woman in U.S. House history narrowly defeats Republican Derek Merrin in a redrawn GOP-leaning district.

Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur defeated Republican state Rep. Derek Merrin in a closely contested race for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, securing her 22nd term in the U.S. House.
The district, redrawn after the 2020 census to include more Republican-leaning areas, had been considered a key target for the GOP to flip in 2024.
Kaptur, 78, emphasized her seniority, pro-labor stance, and bipartisan work on issues like job creation and Ukraine aid during her campaign.
Merrin, endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump, criticized Kaptur's long tenure and alignment with the Biden administration, while Democrats targeted Merrin's positions on abortion and ties to controversial figures.
The race saw over $23 million in campaign spending, with final results placing Kaptur's margin of victory just outside Ohio's automatic recount threshold.