Election results are starting to come in for Northwest Ohio’s 9th congressional district race, and it remains too close to call. Incumbent Marcy Kaptur is facing a narrowing lead as her opponent, Derek Merrin, gains ground.
On Thursday, Defiance County—the first of eight counties in the district to certify results—reported a net gain of 124 votes for Merrin. Before these updated results, Kaptur was ahead by just under 1,200 votes.
These official counts include all valid absentee ballots received after Election Day and certified provisional ballots. Lucas County, the largest in the district, will release its absentee and provisional counts on Friday, with final certified results expected next week. The remaining counties—Erie, Fulton, Ottawa, Sandusky, Williams, and Wood—are also set to certify next week.
If the final margin falls within 0.5%, a Secretary of State-ordered recount is likely.