Midterm Pulse2026US Electionsby Jorge Garcelán
Election nightENES

U.S. HOUSE · OHIO

Derek Merrin

RepublicanChallengerOhio 9th District →

Challenging Marcy Kaptur (D).

Derek Scott Merrin (born January 4, 1986) is an American politician who previously served as the state representative for the 42nd District of the Ohio House of Representatives. He was the Republican nominee for Ohio's 9th congressional district in 2024, where he was narrowly defeated by incumbent Marcy Kaptur. Merrin is the Republican nominee in Ohio's 9th district in the 2026 election, facing a rematch with Kaptur.

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The race at a glance

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On the same ballot

Quick facts

Party
Republican
Age on election day
40 years
Current office
Ohio state representative · Ohio State House district 42
Congress, general elections
0 won of 1