Republican candidates Merrin and Williams vie to unseat Rep. Marcy Kaptur

Two Republicans, Derek Merrin and Josh Williams, are now the frontrunners in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District primary, eyeing a battle to unseat the veteran Democrat, Marcy Kaptur, in the critical 2026 midterms.

Derek Merrin, 39, is mounting a rematch after his narrow 2024 loss to Kaptur by fewer than 2,400 votes. Merrin, a former four-term state representative, launched his campaign on X, stating: “This time, we’re going to FINISH THE MISSION.”

He emphasized a return to the America First agenda with strengthened border security and tax cuts, echoing his 2024 platform.

Merrin also benefits from key endorsements. He earned the support of former President Trump, guidance from Speaker Mike Johnson, and backing from major conservative groups. The National Republican Congressional Committee has placed OH‑9 high on its list of pickup targets.

Josh Williams, 41, is a former high school dropout. He spent years homeless and was later disabled with a spinal injury. He went on to earn a law degree and became Ohio’s first Black majority whip. In remarks to Toledo-area radio, Williams criticized Kaptur’s long tenure. He connected it to his own struggles: “She’s been in Congress longer than I’ve been alive, and every bad thing you’ve read about me happened under her leadership. It’s time for her to go.”

Ohio’s 9th District, anchored in Toledo, remains a battleground. Although redrawn in 2022 to favor Republicans, Kaptur has held on, winning 48.3% to Merrin’s 47.6% in 2024. With new maps expected by September, GOP operatives hope to push the district rightward, and the NRCC is already injecting resources.

Merrin’s strengths include name recognition, campaign infrastructure, conservative backing, and a close prior result. His national donor network and political connections have put him in a strong early position.

Williams’ strengths are a fresh voice with crossover appeal, a compelling personal narrative, and the potential to engage independent and working-class suburban voters, demographics sometimes overlooked in GOP circles.

Political observers see the primary as a contest between experience and narrative:

• A GOP strategist, speaking to Politico, noted that Williams’ story “could resonate in urban and suburban precincts where Republicans need traction.” However, he acknowledged Williams “has to build name recognition and a fundraising base from scratch.”  

• From the NRCC’s vantage, Merrin has an incumbent-like campaign infrastructure and is seen as “battle-tested,” offering consistency to donors and conservative voters.

What to Pay Attention To:

1. Map redraw: A more rural district could favor Merrin; a suburban tilt would boost Williams.

2. Endorsement flow: Merrin continues to collect high-profile conservative support, while Williams is courting moderate GOP figures and business-aligned donors.

3. Turnout and grassroots outreach: Will Williams’ personal story translate into ground game success? Or will Merrin’s established network ensure he leads the field?

Kaptur, 79, has held the seat since 1983 and remains a formidable general election candidate. With seniority and federal project experience, she remains popular with local voters.

Yet Republicans sense opportunity. With shifting demographics, favorable statewide trends, and possible redistricting, they view OH‑9 as a prime flip target.

The GOP primary in Ohio’s 9th District presents a distinct choice: Merrin, the rematch veteran with a solid campaign foundation and conservative credentials, or Williams, the compelling newcomer with a story that could expand the party’s tent. Both campaigns will now vie to define who is best positioned to defeat Kaptur in November 2026.