Tight Ohio Results Leave U.S. House Control Unsettled
Close returns in several competitive Ohio districts could decide which party holds a narrowly divided House because a small number of seat changes will flip the majority.
Overview
- Election returns reported Tuesday show two called Ohio races: Democrat Greg Landsman was projected to win Ohio’s 1st District and Democrat Don Leonard was projected to defeat Republican Mike Carey in the 15th District.
- At least two Republican-held seats in Ohio shifted toward Democrats in early projections, and the Ohio Capital Journal reported a 7-7 split in the state delegation with one race still undecided.
- The 7th District contest involving Rep. Max Miller was transformed into a competitive race after allegations and a House Ethics Committee inquiry, and Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter led in early returns.
- Ohio’s 9th District rematch between Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Derek Merrin remained too close to call with Merrin holding an early lead in partial returns.
- Ohio’s 2025 Republican-drawn map increased the state’s GOP advantage but a slim national margin in the House — Republicans started with a 218-214 edge — means a small number of Ohio seat changes could determine control and shape committee power and the congressional agenda.