Two Republicans, Derek Merrin and Josh Williams, are now the frontrunners in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District primary, eyeing a battle to dethrone veteran Democrat Marcy Kaptur in the upcoming 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, announced his campaign on X, saying: “this time, we’re going to FINISH THE MISSION”. He emphasized a return to the America First agenda, with a focus on strengthened border security and tax cuts, echoing his 2024 platform.
I’m officially running for Congress in Ohio’s 9th District — and this time, we’re going to FINISH THE MISSION.
— Derek Merrin (@DerekMerrin) June 23, 2025
I’ll fight for the America First agenda, strengthen the border, cut taxes, protect our freedoms — and give Northwest Ohio the bold, conservative leadership it deserves. pic.twitter.com/aTPUEAmoJU
Merrin is also the beneficiary of key endorsements. He earned the support of former President Trump and guidance from Speaker Mike Johnson, along with backing from major conservative groups. The National Republican Congressional Committee has placed the district high on its list of pickup targets.
Josh Williams, 41, brings a story of resilience and triumph. 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.
Politico reported that in remarks to Toledo-area radio, Williams criticized Kaptur’s long tenure and 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: Name recognition, campaign infrastructure, conservative backing, and a close prior result. His network of national donors and political connections has put him in a strong early position.
Williams’ strengths: A fresh voice with crossover appeal, a compelling personal narrative and 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,” though 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
- Map redraw: A more rural district could favor Merrin; a suburban tilt would boost Williams.
- Endorsement flow: Merrin continues to collect high-profile conservative support, while Williams is courting moderate GOP figures and business-aligned donors.
- Turnout & 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. She remains a formidable candidate, and her seniority and federal project experience make her popular with local voters.
Yet Republicans sense opportunity, with favorable statewide trends and potential redistricting feeding the view that the district is a prime target for flipping. Now, both campaigns will work to define who is best positioned to defeat Kaptur in the November 2026 election.
