A former senior federal immigration official has entered the race for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, setting up a challenge to one of the longest-serving Democrats in Congress.
Madison Sheahan resigned this week from her role as deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to launch a congressional campaign. In a video posted to social media, Sheahan criticized Democratic leadership on immigration and aligned herself with President Donald Trump. She will be running against Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, whose district encompasses Toledo and northwest Ohio.
Kegan Zimmerman, Kaptur’s campaign manager, dismissed the Sheahan announcement, pointing to recent redistricting and the congresswoman’s record.
“While Republicans from near and far will fight through a messy primary in this district they gerrymandered again just this fall,” Zimmerman contended.
Kaptur has represented the District 9 for more than 40 years and is the longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. Congress. Requests for comment from the Sheahan campaign have not been returned.
Zimmerman noted Kaptur’s priorities are economic issues and doing bipartisan work for the region, rather than campaign attacks.
“Congresswoman Kaptur is focused on delivering real results for her constituents,” Zimmerman stressed.
He added it means focusing on lowering costs for working families and protecting access to affordable health care.
