Candidates in Ohio’s ninth congressional district are divided on tax policies and gas prices as national attention continues to swirl around the critical race.
The race between Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congress, and former State Rep. Derek Merrin shows differences in key policy priorities while also showing some overlap.
Americans for Prosperity Action, a conservative PAC, endorsed Merrin in a new slate of candidates with support ahead of the midterm elections. The group cited Republican control of Congress as a key motivation in supporing Merrin.
“Each of these candidates understand this election is a choice between freedom and government control, and they’re ready to take that fight to Washington,” the group wrote.
Merrin has touted his record as a leader on the Ohio Ways and Means Committee. He pointed to his work lowering property taxes and reducing the state’s income tax.
“His record in the state house reflects a consistent focus on lowering costs and expanding economic freedom,” AFP Action wrote in its endorsement statement.
Kaptur has called for the elimination of tax cuts for corporations and top income earners. In July, she called on the Trump administration to prevent foreign manufacturers from importing solar panels into the United States.
She called on the IRS to implement tax guidance that prevents the companies from claiming production tax credits for the solar panels.
“If these products enter our country, they should pay antidumping and countervailing duties and should not qualify for tax credits reserved for domestic manufacturers,” Kaptur said. “I will never stop working to ensure fair and full enforcement of US trade and tax laws that protect American companies, jobs and workers-no matter where the threat comes from.”
Kaptur, alongside Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., slammed the Trump administration’s proposal to loan up to 40 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The plan comes amid record high energy prices due to the U.S. military conflict in Iran.
The average nationwide price for gas is $4.39, according to AAA. Brent crude oil, a national benchmark, is $102 per barrel. The average price of gas in Ohio is $4.16.
However, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation for a 90-day gas tax holiday, set to take effect on Oct. 4. Under the bill $725 million from the state’s general fund will be used to offset the tax as prices fall by 38.5 cents.
“The Trump Administration says the deal costs taxpayers nothing, yet it has not set aside the money needed to refill the Reserve for the majority of the barrels owed back, which leaves our country less ready for the next emergency,” Kaptur said in a statement. “This is a show put on to distract from the fact that this Administration is responsible for sending gas prices skyrocketing, and working families will keep paying for it in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.”
Merrin did not respond to The Center Square’s requests for comment on the Trump administration’s gas proposal. However, in an interview, Merrin criticized gas prices for being too high and called for an end to the U.S. conflict in Iran.
“We need to get this war wrapped up, we need to unleash American energy and we got to put more money in people’s pockets,” Merrin said. “I feel the pain of everyone in Northwest Ohio paying for gas right now.”
Kaptur has come under scrutiny recently for a political advertisement that pointed to her record in Congress preventing biological men from competing in women’s sports.
“I voted with Republicans to keep transgender ideology out of our schools because parents know what’s best for their kids and boys should not play in girls’ sports,” Kaptur said.
The Lucas County Democratic Party criticized Kaptur for the ad’s language and called for support of transgender individuals.
“Our trans community is not an ideology,” the democrats wrote in a statement. “They are our neighbors, friends, family members, and (as a reminder) often fellow Democrats. Furthermore, they are people-not political pawns or a fear-mongering tactic.”
However, Merrin pointed out that Kaptur twice voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The legislation would amend Title IX to prohibit federally funded education programs from allowing biological men to participate in programs for women and girls.
“Kaptur lying is par for the course – anything to hold onto her power, title and money,” Merrin wrote on social media.
Kaptur has a significant fundraising lead over Merrin with more than $4.3 million in contributions and $3.4 million in cash on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission. Merrin has $1.5 million in contributions and $531,000 in cash on hand.
Kaptur received $5,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC, $2,000 from Solar Energy Industries Association PAC and $2,000 from the Rolls Royce North America Holdings PAC.
Merrin received $5,000 from the Bread Financial Holdings PAC, $1,000 from Citizens United Victory Fund and $2,000 from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
Domestic absentee ballots will be sent out starting on Oct. 6, the same day early in-person voting begins until the Sunday before Election Day.
Polls are open in Ohio from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. For more information, visit the Ohio Secretary of State website, at ohiosos.gov. For more information on candidates and results on Election Day, visit thecentersquare.com/ohio.