Latest news with #Merrin
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
2 Ohio Republicans launch bids to unseat Kaptur
Two Ohio Republicans announced campaigns on Monday to challenge Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur from her battleground district seat, setting up a crowded primary in a race Republicans are targeting. Former state Rep. Derek Merrin is seeking a rematch after winning the GOP nomination in the Toledo-area district but narrowly losing to Kaptur in 2024. State Rep. Josh Williams, the first Black majority whip in the Ohio legislature, also launched his campaign on Monday. They join Alea Nadeem, an Air Force veteran who filed to run last week, in a primary battle to unseat Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congressional history. Kaptur, 79, was first elected to Congress in 1982 and has served for over 42 years. Republicans are hoping to flip the northwest Ohio district to capitalize on the broader statewide trend favoring Republicans. Last year, Merrin lost by less than 1 percent to Kaptur, who outperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris by more than 7 percent. In 2022, Kaptur defeated J.R. Majewski, the controversial Trump ally who reportedly lied about serving in combat in Afghanistan. Ahead of last year's election, Republicans mounted an aggressive effort to block him from winning the nomination again. Republicans may gain an advantage in the district through Ohio's redistricting process, which mandates the legislature redraw Congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterms. Ohio Republicans have indicated they will seek to redraw Kaptur's district to lean more in their favor. Merrin, 39, served in Ohio's legislature for eight years before leaving to run for Congress, and promised to make up for his close defeat last year. 'I'm officially running for Congress in Ohio's 9th District — and this time, we're going to FINISH THE MISSION,' he wrote in a post on X. Williams, 41, was elected to the state legislature in 2022. He dropped out of high school at 18 due to homelessness and was disabled for six years after an injury to his spine before earning a law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. In an interview with a local Toledo radio station, Williams highlighted Kaptur's age and extensive tenure as a reason to push her out of office. 'She's been in Congress longer than I've been alive, and every bad thing you've read about me happened under her leadership,' he said. 'It's time for her to go.' Katie Smith, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, conveyed confidence that Kaptur will retain her seat in a statement to POLITICO. "The clown car of a Republican primary has already devolved into infighting and backstabbing – and no matter which corporate lap-dog who wants to gut Medicaid and Social Security comes out the other end, Marcy will defeat their special interest agenda again because Ohioans know she fights for them," Smith said.
Politico
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Two Ohio Republicans launch bids to unseat Kaptur
Two Ohio Republicans announced campaigns on Monday to challenge Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur from her battleground district seat, setting up a crowded primary in a race Republicans are targeting. Former state Rep. Derek Merrin is seeking a rematch after winning the GOP nomination in the Toledo-area district but narrowly losing to Kaptur in 2024. State Rep. Josh Williams, the first Black majority whip in the Ohio legislature, also launched his campaign on Monday. They join Alea Nadeem, an Air Force veteran who filed to run last week, in a primary battle to unseat Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congressional history. Kaptur, 79, was first elected to Congress in 1982 and has served for over 42 years. Republicans are hoping to flip the northwest Ohio district to capitalize on the broader statewide trend favoring Republicans. Last year, Merrin lost by less than 1 percent to Kaptur, who outperformed former Vice President Kamala Harris by more than 7 percent. In 2022, Kaptur defeated J.R. Majewski, the controversial Trump ally who reportedly lied about serving in combat in Afghanistan. Ahead of last year's election, Republicans mounted an aggressive effort to block him from winning the nomination again. Republicans may gain an advantage in the district through Ohio's redistricting process, which mandates the legislature redraw Congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterms. Ohio Republicans have indicated they will seek to redraw Kaptur's district to lean more in their favor. Merrin, 39, served in Ohio's legislature for eight years before leaving to run for Congress, and promised to make up for his close defeat last year. 'I'm officially running for Congress in Ohio's 9th District — and this time, we're going to FINISH THE MISSION,' he wrote in a post on X. Williams, 41, was elected to the state legislature in 2022. He dropped out of high school at 18 due to homelessness and was disabled for six years after an injury to his spine before earning a law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. In an interview with a local Toledo radio station, Williams highlighted Kaptur's age and extensive tenure as a reason to push her out of office. 'She's been in Congress longer than I've been alive, and every bad thing you've read about me happened under her leadership,' he said. 'It's time for her to go.'
Winnipeg Free Press
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Republican Derek Merrin launches bid for rematch against Rep. Marcy Kaptur
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A potential rematch for one of the nation's most hotly contested House seats, representing Ohio's 9th Congressional District, could be in the works for 2026. That's after Republican Derek Merrin, a former four-term Republican state representative, announced Monday that he plans to try again to defeat Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congress. Merrin, 39, launched his latest campaign on X, vowing that 'this time, we're going to FINISH THE MISSION.' He won the chaotic 2024 Republican primary with the help of Donald Trump's endorsement before losing to Kaptur, 79, by fewer than 2,400 votes. 'I'll fight for the America First agenda, strengthen the border, cut taxes, protect our freedoms — and give Northwest Ohio the bold, conservative leadership it deserves,' he wrote. Merrin is the third candidate to join the Republican primary in the past few days. Toledo native Alea Nadeem is a self-described 'independent-minded conservative,' military veteran and Air National Guard officer from a union family. Wayne Kinsel is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, as well as director of Voodoo Brewing Company in Toledo. Merrin left Columbus in December due to term limits. He made a splash at the Ohio Statehouse when he led an intraparty rebellion in the House after losing a bitter battle for speaker. Katie Smith, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement that Kaptur will run on her record of fighting for the working people of northwest Ohio. 'The clown car of a Republican primary has already devolved into infighting and backstabbing,' she said, 'and no matter which corporate lapdog who wants to gut Medicaid and Social Security comes out the other end, Marcy will defeat their special interest agenda again because Ohioans know she fights for them.' Kaptur's is one of three congressional seats in Ohio targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee next year. The GOP also hopes to defeat Reps. Emilia Sykes in Akron and Greg Landsman in Cincinnati.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Inclusive playground opens in Talladega
TALLADEGA, Ala. (WIAT) — A new playground has opened in Talladega where everyone can fun, no matter their ability. The grand opening of the Unity Playground at Veterans Park was held Monday. It's the city's first fully inclusive public playground and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Alabama food banks bracing for impact as Congress moves on 'big, beautiful bill' Several groups contributed to the park. For some, it was a personal cause. 'Our granddaughter was born with Down syndrome, so that put a huge light in our family that we wanted to make sure that our Merrin would have somewhere she could play,' said Kay Jennings, executive director of TCR Child Care Corporation. City manager Derrick Swanson said the city is still accepting donations for the park, so it can be expanded and updated for future children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Nylon
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Nylon
New Star Wars LEGO set, shows and more announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025
Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 just wrapped up over the weekend, and there were plenty of announcements for fans to look forward to over the next few years. Starting with toys, Disney has announced the new LEGO Star Wars K-2SO Security Droid building set that will be available worldwide from 1 August 2025 onwards. Featuring the reprogrammed Imperial security droid that made appearances in the Rogue One movie and Andor TV series, this 845-piece LEGO droid will have posable head and arms so fans can recreate iconic scenes. Image courtesy of Disney. Image courtesy of Disney. Image courtesy of Disney. Image courtesy of Disney. Hasbro also showcased some new figurines in The Black Series collection, including Merrin, the Nightsister from Dathomir, and a Cal Kestis multi-pack that includes the cute BD-1 droid and other characters from the Jedi: Survivor and Jedi: Fallen Order video games. Classic characters like Han Solo, Chewbacca and Moff Gideon also get new figurines in The Black Series and The Vintage Collection lineups. Image courtesy of Disney. There were also exciting updates for upcoming movies and TV shows in the Star Wars universe. Building on the popularity of the TV show, The Mandalorian and Grogu movie will be coming exclusively to theatres on 22 May 2026. Image courtesy of Disney. Additionally, Disney also announced the new animated series Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, set after the last season of The Clone Wars, in which Darth Maul is seeking to rebuild his criminal syndicate. This new series will air on Disney+ in 2026. Another animated series, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, will be getting a third season that will be released on Disney+ this fall. Image courtesy of Disney. Image courtesy of Disney. Last but not least, the most recent Star Wars game, Star Wars Outlaws, will be getting a second story pack. Star Wars Outlaws: A Pirate's Fortune will be automatically accessible and free to season pass owners, or available as a separate purchase with a RRP of US$14.99. Ultimate and Deluxe Edition owners will also get the Naboo Nobility and Desert Nomad cosmetic packs, while all game owners will receive cosmetic items inspired by Star Wars: Skeleton Crew in an update that's launching alongside the new story pack. Star Wars Outlaws will also be coming to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 on 4 September. Image courtesy of Disney. At the end of the celebration, it was also announced that Star Wars Celebration will be heading back to Los Angeles for the first time since 2006, with Star Wars Celebration 2027 being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 1-4 April 2027. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STAR WARS CELEBRATION JAPAN 2025, HEAD TO THE STAR WARS WEBSITE HERE.
