# Marcy Kaptur

> Marcy Kaptur has served as U.S. Representative for Ohio's 9th Congressional District since 1983. She is the longest-serving woman in congressional history. She narrowly survived redistricting and a 2024 challenge and faces Republican Derek Merrin in 2026.

## Key facts

- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: U.S. House of Representatives
- Current office: U.S. Representative, Ohio's 9th Congressional District
- State: OH
- District: 9
- Race: Ohio's 9th Congressional District 2026
- Incumbent status: challenger
- Residence: Toledo, OH
- Race rating: Toss-up
- Campaign website: https://kaptur.house.gov

## Biography

Marcy Kaptur was born on June 17, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio. She earned her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her M.A. from the University of Michigan. She has represented Ohio's 9th Congressional District since 1983. She is the longest-serving woman in congressional history. She narrowly defeated Republican Derek Merrin by 2,382 votes in 2024 and faces a rematch in 2026 after redistricting.

## Background

- Education: B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison; M.A., University of Michigan
- Professional background: U.S. Representative (1983–present)
- Public service: U.S. Representative, Ohio's 9th Congressional District (1983–present)

## Issue positions

### Healthcare — ACA & Medicaid (healthcare)

Marcy Kaptur voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. She also voted for the $1.66 trillion omnibus spending bill.

Evidence: Inflation Reduction Act; Omnibus Spending Bill

### Federal Spending & the Deficit (federal-spending)

Marcy Kaptur supported the $1.66 trillion omnibus spending bill, the $580 billion Inflation Reduction Act, and the $1 trillion Infrastructure Bill.

Evidence: $1.66T omnibus; $580B Inflation Reduction Act; $1T Infrastructure Bill

### Immigration — ICE Enforcement (immigration)

Marcy Kaptur voted to reopen the government while advocating for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Her stance on these reforms is criticized as promoting open-border policies, which would reduce enforcement capabilities.

Evidence: vote to reopen government; advocacy for ICE and CBP reforms

### Public Safety & Crime (public-safety)

Marcy Kaptur accepted campaign contributions from groups that advocate for defunding the police. She voted against legislation that would provide support for law enforcement.

Evidence: campaign contributions from defund the police groups; vote against law enforcement support

### Social Policy — Gender Identity & Transgender Issues (social-policy)

Marcy Kaptur voted for the Women's Health Protection Act, which establishes a federal right to abortion and would prevent states from enacting restrictions. She also voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which codifies the right to same-sex and interracial marriage into federal law.

Evidence: Women's Health Protection Act; Respect for Marriage Act

### Energy & Climate Policy (energy-climate)

Marcy Kaptur supported the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill, which included subsidies aligned with Green New Deal-style policies.

Evidence: $1.5T omnibus; Green New Deal-style subsidies

## Ratings & scorecards (as published by the issuing organizations)

- Planned Parenthood Action Fund: 100% (2025) — Reproductive Rights
- Heritage Action for America: Not scored (pre-scorecard era member) (2024) — Conservative Fiscal/Social

## Opponents in this race

- [Derek Merrin](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/derek-merrin-oh9-2026.md) — Republican

## Sources

- Marcy Kaptur — Bioguide Congress.gov: https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/K000009
- OH-09 2026 — Cook Political Report: https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/483821
- Headshot identity source — Marcy Kaptur: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcy_Kaptur

Last updated: 2026-07-19T20:22:19.360Z

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Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/marcy-kaptur-oh9-2026
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