Mar 19, 2024 - 15:45
By apnews.com

Ohio GOP congressional primaries feature double votes and numerous candidates

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio residents face two unique scenarios in this year’s congressional primaries: They’re being asked to cast two votes for one of the seats and choose one of 11 candidates for the other.

The Democratic primaries, while competitive, promise to be less nail-biting than the GOP contests, which feature a congested race into which nearly a dozen contenders have poured a combined $4.5 million.

Both districts, the 2nd and the 6th, lean conservative and are likely to go for Republican candidates in the fall.

The 6th District includes the village of East Palestine, which is still suffering from the effects of a toxic train derailment last year.

PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM IN PRICEY SOUTHERN OHIO DISTRICT

Eleven Republicans will have their names on the primary ballot for the 2nd Congressional District, which extends from the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati to the West Virginia border. The winner will face Democrat Samantha Meadows in the November general election.

Two of the better-known candidates are state Sens. Shane Wilkin and Niraj Antani. Political newcomers include businessmen Dave Taylor and Larry Kidd, as well as retired U.S. Marine drill instructor Tim O’Hara. Taylor raised $1.7 million for his campaign and Larry Kidd raised $1.4 million, while O’Hara raised $1.3 million.

All five are supporters of former Republican President Donald Trump and are running on conservative platforms such as supporting gun rights and opposing abortion.

Breaking from the pack is Phil Heimlich. Heimlich, son of the doctor who invented the Heimlich Maneuver, is a moderate Republican who does not support Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee in this year’s presidential election.