Ohio Democrats win three House seats despite redistricting

Ohio Democrats have flipped three U.S. House seats, defying the congressional map drawn by Republicans in 2026. The new delegation will include eight Democrats and seven Republicans, reversing the intended balance of the redistricted districts.

The 2026 redistricting plan was designed to produce 12 Republican and three Democratic winners. Instead, the cycle delivered eight Democratic victors. Nationwide, Democrats secured large majorities in both the U.S. House and Senate.

In the 15th District, Democrat Don Leonard defeated Republican Congressman Mike Carey. The district covers Columbus suburbs and rural areas to the south and west. Leonard, a former Ohio State University city planning professor and Hilltop resident, credited voters for rejecting the Republican agenda.

"I think for many Americans, there was no map that could have saved the Republican Party from the wallop they got last night," Leonard said on Wednesday.

Leonard’s victory was driven by higher turnout in the southern and western parts of Franklin County. He captured more than 60% of the vote in those areas, compared to 53% for previous Democratic candidates in 2024 and 2022. Turnout also rose in Pickaway, Madison, and Fayette counties, where Carey received less support than in prior cycles.

In the 13th District, Democrat Brian Poindexter defeated Republican Congressman Max Miller. Poindexter, a union ironworker and Brook Park City Council member, ran against Miller, who is the son of U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno. Miller faced accusations of abusing his daughter and ex-wife, allegations he denies.

In the 9th District, Democrat Kristina Knickerbocker declared victory over Republican Congressman Mike Turner. The Associated Press had not officially called the race as of Wednesday afternoon. Knickerbocker is a U.S. Air Force veteran and nurse. Turner served 20 years in Congress and previously served as Dayton mayor.

The three winners join reelected Democratic Reps. Joyce Beatty, Greg Landsman, Marcy Kaptur, Shontel Brown, and Emilia Sykes. Seven Republicans were also reelected: Troy Balderson, Jim Jordan, Warren Davidson, Dave Joyce, Dave Taylor, Bob Latta, and Michael Rulli.

Ohio State University professor emeritus Paul Beck said voters were fed up with corruption associated with President Donald Trump and Ohio Republicans. Beck noted that Carey’s career as a coal lobbyist likely hurt his chances, as voters often view lobbyists as supportive of the wealthy.

Leonard said he plans to open offices in the Hilltop, the south side of Columbus, and Highland County. He also intends to create an app for constituent services. As a new representative, he aims for assignments on the House Ways and Means or Appropriations committees and will push for stock trading bans and new ethics rules for members of Congress.