Marcy Kaptur’s Political Survival on Life Support as Derek Merrin Builds Momentum

Ohio Democrat Marcy Kaptur is once again being recognized as one of the most vulnerable Democrats in Congress as Republicans target Ohio’s Ninth Congressional District as a top pickup opportunity in 2026.

Even national media outlets are acknowledging Kaptur is in serious danger.

Republican Derek Merrin, a former state legislator and the GOP nominee who came within just a couple thousand votes of defeating Kaptur last cycle, enters the general election with major momentum after winning a competitive Republican primary. 

Recent polling and political handicappers continue to show OH-09 as one of the top battlegrounds in the country, with Republicans viewing the district as one of their strongest opportunities to expand the House majority.

“Marcy Kaptur has spent over four decades in Washington voting with the Democrat establishment while Ohio moves sharply toward Republicans. Now, after barely surviving in 2024, Kaptur is once again one of the most vulnerable Democrats in America. Derek Merrin is a proven conservative fighter with deep roots in Northwest Ohio, and voters are ready for new leadership.” – NRCC Spokesman Zach Bannon

Background:

• A new poll shows Derek Merrin leads Marcy Kaptur by 4 points, 47% to 43% with only 7% undecided.
• The NRCC launched a paid digital ad highlighting Kaptur’s 40-year history of raising taxes and supporting dangerous open-border policies while exposing her Trump Derangement Syndrome. 
• Marcy Kaptur has raked in cash from defund the police groups while voting against efforts to support law enforcement. 
• Marcy Kaptur has voted to increase taxes under every U.S. President since Ronald Reagan in 1983.