Marcy Kaptur

Marcy Kaptur has represented northwest Ohio in the U.S. House since 1982 and is seeking re-election in a rematch with Republican Derek Merrin. Redistricting made the district more Republican, and as of August 2026 forecasters rated the race anywhere from Lean Democratic to Tilt Republican.

On the ballot against Derek Merrin (R)

Why it matters: The race will help decide control of the House in the 120th Congress, where Republicans currently hold a 219-212 majority with four vacancies.

Give to Marcy directly Volunteer Campaign site Your voting plan

Direct gifts go 100% to the campaign through its own official page. We never see or handle them.

The race at a glance

Race ratingToss-upCook Political Report, Oct 26 source

Money raised (through Jun 30) Kaptur$4,300,000 Merrin$1,500,000 source

In Marcy's own words

**Marcy Kaptur**, Kaptur after voting early at the Lucas County Board of Elections in Toledo., Oct 6 source

**Marcy Kaptur**, Kaptur on the cost of living and other concerns voters raised with her., Oct 6 source

Where Marcy stands

Trade: Kaptur opposes unfair trade deals, including NAFTA, CAFTA and China PNTR. source
Jobs and the economy: She says she backs high-wage jobs and a workforce ready for the 21st century. source
Great Lakes: She says she supports protecting the Great Lakes. source
Veterans and seniors: She says she supports veterans, seniors, first responders and working people. source

The record

First elected to the U.S. House in 1982 and still holds the seat.
Worked as an urban planner before Congress, including in the Carter administration.
Beat Derek Merrin 48.3% to 47.6% in 2024, a margin of fewer than 2,400 votes.

ConfidentialThe GOP File

The file on Derek Merrin

Derek Merrin is a real estate investor who served in the Ohio House from 2016 to 2024. source
Merrin lost to Kaptur in 2024 by fewer than 2,400 votes and won the 2026 Republican primary with about 43–44% of the vote. source

In the files

Midterms

GOP-redrawn House districts turn competitive as Cook rates several seats toss-ups

Republicans redrew maps in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas to protect their House majority. Eight days before the election, many of those seats are close races.

Yesterday, 2:43 PM ET

Marcy Kaptur. Photo: Official House Photographer, Public domain

Profile sources: 1, 2, 3

Race data checked Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Quotes on this page were matched word for word against their sources.