Trump endorses Derek Merrin to replace U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur

President Donald Trump endorsed former Republican state Rep. Derek Merrin, who is currently running to replace U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio.

“It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Derek Merrin, who is running to represent the wonderful people of Ohio’s 9th Congressional District!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Trump then criticized Kaptur by saying that she is a “Radical Left Democrat, and a Career Politician,” who “tried to raise Taxes by over $4 Trillion Dollars, and voted against ALL of our Tax Cuts, including NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY, and NO TAX ON OVERTIME.”

“Marcy Kaptur wants to abolish our Borders, stop deporting Criminal Illegal Aliens, and supports dangerous ‘Soft on Crime’ Policies like cashless bail that let repeat Violent Criminals roam free on our streets. She voted to allow Men in Women’s Sports, is in favor of the transgender mutilization of children, and voted AGAINST Voter I.D., but in favor of allowing Illegal Aliens to vote in our Sacred Elections,” he wrote. “She is Reckless, Radical, and Dangerous!”

Trump continued his praise, writing that, unlike Kaptur, Merrin is “a Highly Successful State Legislator, Waterville City Councilman, and Civic Leader.”

He then said that Merrin “has dedicated his life to serving his Community,” alleging that if Ohioans vote for Merrin, “he will fight hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Brave Military/Veterans, Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

“Derek Merrin has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Ohio’s 9th Congressional District – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.

Merrin, who lost to Kaptur two years ago, responded to Trump’s endorsement by thanking him and promising that he would be working with him if he gets elected.

“THANK YOU, President Trump!” he wrote. “I’m honored to have your endorsement to bring New Leadership to Northwest Ohio. I will partner with you to lower prices and bring back high-paying jobs. Northwest Ohio deserves America First leadership, and it will have it soon!”

THANK YOU, President Trump!

I’m honored to have your endorsement to bring New Leadership to Northwest Ohio.

I will partner with you to lower prices and bring back high paying jobs.

Northwest Ohio deserves America First leadership and it will have it soon! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/5lqSCOa5Qj

— Derek Merrin (@DerekMerrin) May 21, 2026

Merrin won the Republican primary for the seat, defeating state Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Twp.

“I’m honored by the support we received from Conservatives across Northwest Ohio,” Merrin said in his statement after winning the primary. “Northwest Ohio is ready for fresh new leadership. That’s why we are going to defeat Marcy Kaptur this November.”

Williams thanked “every voter, volunteer, and supporter who believed in this campaign and gave it everything they had,” adding that “this race was powered by hardworking people across Northwest Ohio who stepped up, knocked doors, made calls, and fought for a better future for OH-09.”

The National Republican Congressional Committee recently launched paid digital ads in the district to support Merrin by attacking Kaptur, according to an exclusive report by Ohio.News.

“Liberal Marcy Kaptur has spent over 40 years in Congress voting to make life more expensive under every president since Reagan,” the ad said. “She voted for open borders, allowing illegals to vote in our elections, and impeaching President Trump not one, not two, but three times. Now liberal Marcy wants to do it all again. Tax hiker, Trump hater, career politician Marcy Kaptur too liberal for Ohio.”