Derek Merrin

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Asks voters to "send a proven fighter to Washington" to advance an America First agenda.[1]
• Says he will focus on defending constitutional rights, demanding fiscal responsibility and bolstering northwest Ohio's economy.[1],[2]
• Says he wants to lower costs and improve residents' quality of life.[4]
• Argues the district needs new leadership and supports congressional term limits.[3],[5]

Background

• State Representative (eight years); chaired the House Ways and Means Committee (134th General Assembly) and earlier the House Health Committee, Ohio House of Representatives · Through 2024[1],[2]
• Mayor, City of Waterville · 2008–2011[1]
• Member, City Council (first elected at 19), City of Waterville[1]
• Real estate investor[2]
• Republican nominee for Ohio's 9th Congressional District · 2024[2]

Education

• Master of Public Administration, Bowling Green State University[1]
• B.A., University of Toledo[1]

Where they stand

• Taxes
  Supports lower taxes and a simpler tax code; supports the 2025 law's tax provisions on tips, overtime and Social Security income; cites his Statehouse work on income tax rates, the prescription-eyewear sales tax and property tax rules.[1],[3],[5]
• Economy & Jobs
  Supports balancing the federal budget, reducing spending that adds to the debt, reducing regulations and protecting the value of the dollar.[3]
• Health Care
  Emphasizes price transparency, lower costs and fewer regulations that limit access to care.[1],[3]
• Immigration
  Pledges to secure the southern border, aligned with President Trump's America First policies.[3]
• Energy & Environment
  Says the U.S. needs to unleash American energy to lower gas prices; has called for an end to the U.S. conflict in Iran, citing gas prices.[6]
• Abortion
  As a state legislator, supported Ohio's 2019 six-week "heartbeat" abortion law and co-sponsored a 2019 bill (HB 413) to create new abortion-related criminal offenses that did not advance; his campaign website does not name federal abortion legislation he would back.[3]

Voting record

Derek Merrin has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.

In their words