Marcy Kaptur backs parents in ad, draws party rebuke

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, an Ohio Democrat, put out a campaign ad saying parents know what is best for their kids and boys should not play in girls’ sports, and Lucas County Democrats called for the ad’s removal^{1, 2, 3, 4}.

The Daily Signal reports that Lucas County Democrats called for Kaptur to remove the ad and describes the 9th District race as a toss-up. The left is already charging her for it: Equality Ohio cut her scorecard grade from a B to a D the day after the ads were released².

1. In MayKaptur joined eight Democrats who voted to pass H.R. 2616
2. MayMerrin won the primary for a rematch with Kaptur
3. November 3Ohio votes

In May, Kaptur was one of eight Democrats who joined Republicans to pass H.R. 2616², the PROTECT Kids Act. The bill passed 217–198³. The bill requires public elementary and middle schools that take federal education funds⁴ to get parental consent before changing a child’s name, pronouns or sex-based accommodations.”⁴

Lucas County Democrats called the ad “incredibly dangerous anti-trans rhetoric” and said they were “disappointed and ashamed” of the campaign¹.

Kaptur spokesperson Kylie Blitzer said Kaptur supports parents having more insight into their children’s education and believes local communities should set girls’ sports rules¹.

Michael Stwarka, spokesperson for Republican opponent Derek Merrin, said Kaptur had voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act twice and co-sponsored the Equality Act six times¹.

Kaptur beat Merrin by 0.7% in 2024 under the old district map, according to The Daily Signal¹, and the redrawn 9th District now leans Republican¹. Kaptur has raised $4.3 million to Merrin’s $1.5 million⁵.

Merrin won the May primary for a rematch with Kaptur, The Daily Signal reports¹, and Ohio votes November 3⁵.

Sources

1. Marcy Kaptur at Odds With Both Sides Over Trans Issues
2. Democratic U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur releases two anti-transgender ads ahead of Election Day
3. Roll Call 184 | Bill Number: H.R.2616
4. House Report 119-441 on H.R. 2616
5. Ohio District 9 2026 House election