Derek Merrin: ‘Northwest Ohio deserves a representative that holds their values’

A former state lawmaker from Northwest Ohio who is hoping to unseat a long-tenured Democratic congresswoman is featured in the newest installment of the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “MAGA Majority” video series.

Derek Merrin, who served in the state House from 2016 to 2025, is hoping to flip the Toledo-area seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, who has been in Congress since 1983. The congresswoman was injured in a hit-and-run car wreck last month and, according to an undercover video obtained by Ohio.News, broke her clavicle and apparently also underwent knee surgery.

Republicans added Merrin to the 2026 “MAGA Majority” list. Under the nationwide initiative, which is aimed at flipping the map in Republicans’ favor, the National Republican Congressional Committee provides candidates with support and resources to increase their visibility.

The program focuses on districts President Donald Trump won in 2024 and that are represented by Democrats perceived as vulnerable.

In the video, the Trump-endorsed Merrin said he believes “America is the greatest country in the history of the world,” adding that he is “fighting to preserve the American Dream for the next generation.”

“My time in the state legislature, I worked to lower taxes, cut regulation, increase freedom in Ohio, and increase prosperity for everyone in the state,” Merrin said in the video. “I had the opportunity to change over 20 laws in the state to make a tangible impact on Ohioans to make their lives better.

“Marcy Kaptur has spent 43 years in Washington and she’s forgotten about Northwest Ohio,” Merrin added. “Northwest Ohio deserves a representative that holds their values. They want someone that believes in secure borders, in low taxes, balanced budgets, that supports term limits, that represents them.”

Aside from her car wreck, Kaptur, who served as an urban policy advisor during Democratic President Jimmy Carter’s one term in office, has faced questions about her record and her funding.

Kaptur has accepted money from a pro-transgender PAC for several years, and critics say she has consistently pushed the ideology by either voting or not voting for different bills. The congresswoman has also received thousands in campaign contributions from donors who support the “defund the police” movement.

“Derek Merrin is a proven conservative leader who has fought for common sense wins and delivered results for Ohio,” NRCC Spokesman Zach Bannon said in a statement. “Out of touch Democrat Marcy Kaptur has failed Northwest Ohio by raising costs and making communities less safe; Ohioans are ready for change and will retire Kaptur this fall.”