🚨 RATINGS CHANGES: Two Race-Raters Shift OH-09 in Marcy Kaptur’s Direction Within 24 Hours

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report just shifted Ohio’s 9th District in Marcy Kaptur’s direction to ‘Lean Democrat,’ less than 24 hours after Inside Elections moved the seat in her favor — the latest sign Ohioans are ready to reject Derek Merrin once again.

Cook writes in part that:

• Marcy Kaptur is in an increasingly good position to return to the House for her 23rd term.
• Kaptur’s district…moved four points to the right as a result of redistricting, but a favorable political environment should more than offset that shift.
• Kaptur is facing a rematch against former state Rep. Derek Merrin, who is viewed as a lackluster candidate by much of the national Republican establishment.
• Democrats’ main line of attack — Merrin’s connection to the FirstEnergy bribery scandal — is particularly salient in a cycle largely dominated by voters’ anger over political corruption.

Inside Elections emphasized that sentiment, stating that “the longest-serving woman in congressional history appears poised to scratch out one more term against state Rep. Derek Merrin.”

DCCC Spokesperson Riya Vashi:
“Ohio families deserve a leader they can trust to put them first — not a self-serving politician like Derek Merrin that will sell them out the second he gets the chance. Next Tuesday, hardworking Ohioans will re-elect Marcy Kaptur, a trusted fighter with a long record of delivering for Northwest Ohio.”