The Gist
Home

Federal

U.S. Representative, 9th Congressional District

Vote for
1
Term
2 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A member of the U.S. House of Representatives votes on federal laws, taxes and spending on behalf of the district.

All of Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam and Williams counties, and northern Wood County (Northwood, Perrysburg, Rossford and part of Perrysburg Township).

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Derek MerrinRepublican

    • Led efforts to cut Ohio's state income tax.
    • Sponsored repeal of the sales tax on prescription eyewear.

  • Marcy KapturDemocratic

    No documented position found.

Public safety

  • Derek MerrinRepublican

    • Supported Ohio's permitless concealed carry law.

  • Marcy KapturDemocratic

    • Voted to expand border security and hire border agents.

Education

Housing

  • Derek MerrinRepublican

    • Led passage of law delaying property taxes on subdivided lots.

  • Marcy KapturDemocratic

    No documented position found.

Economy & jobs

Environment & parks

  • Derek MerrinRepublican

    No documented position found.

  • Marcy KapturDemocratic

    • Supports funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Health & human services

  • Derek MerrinRepublican

    No documented position found.

  • Marcy KapturDemocratic

    • Opposes cutting or privatizing Social Security and Medicare.
    • Opposes a national abortion ban.
    • Voted for the PACT Act expanding veterans' benefits.

Government & transparency

  • Derek MerrinRepublican

    • Supported requiring photo ID to vote.

  • Marcy KapturDemocratic

    • Supports repealing Citizens United and limiting election spending.

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 8 issues covered in this race.