Derek Merrin Campaigns Everywhere but Northwest Ohio

Derek Merrin Campaigns Everywhere but Northwest Ohio

October 15, 2026

COLUMBUS, OH - Whether it's Dallas, Vandalia, or Lima, Derek Merrin seems to be campaigning everywhere but the district he is running to represent. While Rep. Marcy Kaptur makes stops across NW Ohio to talk to voters about her plans to lower costs for Ohio families and fight for working Ohioans in Congress, Derek Merrin would rather campaign outside Northwest Ohio to hide from the voters of Ohio's 9th Congressional District.

"Derek Merrin is making clear that he does not care about hearing from Ohioans about how his support for data center tax breaks and Ohio Republicans' reckless war in Iran are raising the prices of utilities and gas for Ohio families," said Ohio Democratic Party spokesperson Abby Hasselbrink. "By campaigning outside the district he's running to represent, he's showing Ohio voters that he's more concerned with rubbing shoulders with the corrupt Washington establishment than actually fighting for Ohio families. Ohioans know that Marcy Kaptur is the only person in this race with a proven track record of putting working Ohioans first, and that's why they'll send her back to the House this November."

Marcy Kaptur is a trusted leader for Ohio working families. From taking on corruption in Congress to fighting to create good-paying jobs for Ohioans to bringing down costs that Ohio Republicans have sent soaring, Ohioans know that Marcy Kaptur will always fight for working Ohioans, not corporate special interests.

Read more about Derek Merrin campaigning everywhere but OH-09:

Stay Tuned Sandusky - Kaptur hammers back at Merrin: I work for the people

• She's fighting billionaires, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur said late Thursday, while her opponent is fat-catting it in Lone-Star State on behalf of them….

The Toledo Blade - Vice President Vance urges Republican turnout at Lima rally

• Although Lima is not in the 9th congressional district, Mr. Merrin encouraged Republicans to turn out this November to ensure they keep control of both chambers.
• "America is the greatest country in the history of the world, and we have to fight to keep it," Mr. Merrin said. "We got to give President Trump and our great vice president … the majority in Congress they need to finish the job."
• Before casting her ballot on Tuesday, Ms. Kaptur criticized her opponent for campaigning outside of the district with the Trump Administration, saying it "shows what their affinity is."
• "This is really a race about billionaires versus the working class and the people who just want a good way of life," she said. "They don't want to be billionaires, and they see that their wealth is being robbed from them. They're going to vote their future when they go to the polls this week and this month."

Toledo Blade - President Trump emphasizes Ohio's importance for midterm elections ahead of early vote

• Merrin detours outside district for Trump
• "Let's get President Trump the majority in Congress that he needs to finish the job," Mr. Merrin said. "And keep America great."
• On Saturday, Ms. Kaptur held a roundtable discussion with members of the United Auto Workers and Service Employees International Union. The discussion was focused on affordability and workers' rights.
• "No wonder Derek skipped town again for the second time this month to campaign with the national party bosses he really works for," a spokesman for Ms. Kaptur's campaign said. "Marcy Kaptur spent today in Toledo, standing with our union workers. That's the difference in this race. Marcy answers to Northwest Ohio - Derek answers to whoever cuts him the biggest check."

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