how crazy this race was last timec

The 2024 race for Ohio's 9th congressional seat is a prime example of why we really, really need a ballot initiative to outlaw dark money.

"Outside spending" in the form of ads and political influence far exceeded what the candidates spent on their own campaigns. Over $19 million in outside spending vs about $7 million in candidate spending.  

Do you hate all those deceptive and polarizing political ads? Well, the table from OpenSecrets.org  lists how much outside groups paid campaign for or against different candidate... including in the primary race.

It's corrupt and it's insane.

the 2026 race, so far

Outside money was the biggest player in this race in 2024 and will likely continue to be so in 2026.

Kaptur is the incumbent and went unchallenged in the DEM primary. Kaptur's donors for 2026, thus far, are notably labor unions, the Democratic Party, and pro-Israel PACs. 

Merrin, the GOP candidate that lost to Kaptur in 2024, faces a packed primary. At this point, the majority of Merrin's funding is from a loan.

The potential shake-up for this race comes from political newcomer David Gedert challenging the two major party candidates. Gedert is running to end corruption and restore accountability. For more, see sugarforcongress.com 

Independent candidates have until May 4 to qualify for the November ballot.

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