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NewsFox News PoliticsMay 6, 2026United States

Derek Merrin Wins Ohio GOP Primary for 9th Congressional District

Former state Representative Derek Merrin won the Republican primary for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, defeating former ICE official Madison Sheahan and state Representative Josh Williams. Merrin will now face long-serving incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur in the general election for this competitive seat.

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Why It Matters

The outcome of this determines the Republican challenger for a key battleground House seat currently held by the longest-serving woman in congressional history, which could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Key Facts

  • Derek Merrin won the Republican primary with 44.1% of the vote.
  • Josh Williams finished second with 24.3% of the vote.
  • Madison Sheahan finished third with 20.2% of the vote.
  • The 9th Congressional District is currently represented by Democrat Marcy Kaptur, who has held the seat since 1983.
  • In the 2024 election cycle, Kaptur won re-election by a margin of 0.64%.
  • The U.S. House is currently composed of 218 Republicans and 212 Democrats, with five vacancies and one independent.
  • Madison Sheahan served as Deputy Director of ICE before resigning to run for Congress.
  • The general election will be a rematch between Derek Merrin and Marcy Kaptur.

Who's Mentioned

otherThe Washington PostotherDerek MerrinotherImmigration and Customs EnforcementotherRepublican PartyotherNational Republican Congressional CommitteeotherFox NewslocationOhio 9th Congressional District“The electoral district covering the Toledo area.”personKristi Noem“Homeland Security Secretary who appointed Sheahan to ICE.”otherMarcy KapturotherAssociated PressotherZach BannonotherDonald TrumpotherOhiopersonDerek Merrin“Former state Representative who won the GOP primary with 44.1% of the vote.”personDonald Trump“Former President whose immigration agenda was a central theme of Sheahan's campa”otherMadison SheahanotherKristi NoemorganizationNational Republican Congressional Committee“Organization targeting the 9th District seat for a potential flip.”otherJosh WilliamsotherAaron PickrellpersonJosh Williams“State Representative who finished second in the primary.”personMadison Sheahan“Former ICE Deputy Director who finished third in the primary.”personMarcy Kaptur“Democratic incumbent Representative for Ohio's 9th District.”