Republicans target Ohio, Michigan Dem-held House seats Trump won in 2024
Republicans Target Democratic-Held Congressional Seats in Midwest
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Republicans are setting their sights on flipping two Democratic-held congressional seats in the industrial Midwest that President Donald Trump won in the previous election.
With a slim majority in the U.S. House, Republicans are focusing on crossover districts – the 13 congressional districts where Trump emerged victorious, but Democrats managed to retain their seats.
Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Marcy Kaptur, and Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, held by Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, are top targets for Republicans leading up to the midterm elections.
Freshman GOP Rep. Brian Jack, who is spearheading candidate recruitment for House Republicans, recently visited these crossover districts to assess the political landscape.
Challenges in Ohio and Michigan
Rep. Brian Jack, R-Ga., speaks to supporters of President Donald Trump at an event hosted by Vice President JD Vance on Aug. 21, 2025 in Peachtree City, Georgia. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
During a phone interview, Jack highlighted how Kaptur and McDonald Rivet have drifted away from the views of their constituents.
“Kaptur, in particular, has seen a decline in her vote percentages over the years,” Jack stated. “Despite Trump winning the district with a clear majority, Kaptur has voted against his policies, including supporting his impeachment.”
Ohio, once a swing state, has leaned towards the GOP in recent elections, reflecting a shift in political dynamics.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, speaks at the VFW Post 2529 Annual Corn Roast in Sandusky, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Several Republican candidates have emerged in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, signaling a competitive race ahead.
In Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, U.S. Navy veteran Amir Hassan is the sole Republican contender challenging McDonald Rivet.
As the election season heats up, Republicans are focused on promoting Trump’s legislative achievements and contrasting them with Democratic opposition.
McDonald Rivet’s campaign emphasized her commitment to working for the benefit of working families and lowering essential costs.
Both Kaptur and the Democratic National Congressional Committee have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the upcoming elections.
