U.S. House race · November 3, 2026
U.S. Representative, Ohio District 6
Represents Ohio's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which writes and votes on federal laws, budgets and oversight of the executive branch.
2-year term. Under the 2026 map, the district covers most of Mahoning and Stark counties, all of Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties, and parts of Wayne and Holmes counties in eastern Ohio and the Mahoning Valley. Incumbent Michael Rulli (R) is seeking re-election.
The candidates
Listed alphabetically by last name.
Elizabeth Kirtley
Freelance writerElizabeth Kirtley is a freelance writer from New Philadelphia who won a six-candidate Democratic primary in May 2026. This is her first run for Congress. Her campaign has focused on workers' rights and women's rights, health care and drug prices, immigration enforcement and federal regulation of data centers.
Michael Rulli
U.S. Representative, Ohio District 6Michael Rulli is a Republican who has represented the 6th District since winning a June 2024 special election, after serving in the Ohio Senate. He is a longtime operator of his family's Mahoning Valley grocery business. His campaign emphasizes the economy and gas prices, border security, American energy production and rail safety.
Compare on the issues
Summaries of each candidate's stated positions. See each profile for sources and details.
| Issue | Elizabeth Kirtley Democratic | Michael Rulli Republican |
|---|---|---|
| Economy & Jobs | Supports reinvesting in local farmers and small businesses. | Says lowering gas prices and making life more affordable are his top economic priorities. |
| Energy & Environment | Says data centers should be federally regulated, arguing they cost host communities more than they deliver. | Supports American energy independence; sponsored the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act, which passed the House 217–209. |
| Immigration | Says ICE should be abolished and would seek legislation barring states from giving ICE agents what she calls 'false authority.' | Supports southern border security; introduced the GAMBLER Act, which would redirect about $300 million in federal gambling taxes to ICE. |
| Abortion | Supports federally codifying abortion rights. | No public position found yet |
| Elections & Democracy | Says voters whose names have changed should not face extra requirements to prove eligibility. | No public position found yet |
| Health Care | Says the Affordable Care Act needs changes and that government should limit what drug companies charge for medications such as insulin and chemotherapy; calls for an overhaul of the pharmaceutical and hospital systems. | No public position found yet |
| Public Safety | No public position found yet | Has sponsored bills on rail inspection and oversight and says East Palestine residents deserve accountability and reforms. |
| Taxes | No public position found yet | Says his small-business experience shapes his support for reducing regulatory and tax burdens on small businesses. |