Former President Donald Trump issued a last-minute endorsement in a highly contested northwest Ohio congressional district, throwing his support behind state Rep. Derek Merrin over rival Republican Craig Riedel. Trump's endorsement came just hours before the primary election in Ohio, following his recent campaign appearance in the state on behalf of U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno.
Trump praised Merrin as an 'incredible America First Patriot' who will prioritize securing the border, combating inflation, supporting the military and veterans, and protecting the Second Amendment. Merrin, 38, was selected by House Speaker Mike Johnson to challenge Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congress.
Merrin gained attention statewide for leading a rebellion in the Ohio House last year after a contentious speakership dispute. Trump's endorsement of Merrin came after audio surfaced of Riedel criticizing Trump, raising concerns about his electability in a state that strongly supported Trump in past presidential elections.
Riedel's campaign recently aired attack ads against Merrin, linking him to former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, who was convicted in a bribery scandal. Despite Trump's endorsement of Merrin, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, a prominent Ohio ally of Trump, continued to support Riedel, emphasizing his conservative values and commitment to parental rights, fiscal responsibility, gun rights, and traditional family values.
The Ohio congressional race has been marked by shifting alliances, candidate controversies, and changing endorsements. JD Vance, the state's Republican senator, initially backed another candidate, J.R. Majewski, who withdrew from the race following criticism for disparaging remarks about Special Olympics athletes.
