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RESULTS | Nearly two weeks after Election Day, Ohio's 9th District House has been called. But a recount is possible

The winner was determined as several counties certified their election results Wednesday.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur won Ohio's 9th District House seat Wednesday, according to certified election results from northwest Ohio county board of elections and the Associated Press - but the narrow margin of the win could lead to a recount if Republican challenger Derek Merrin's campaign requests and pays for one.

181,098 people voted for Kaptur, while 178,176 people voted for Merrin. This falls outside the one-half of 1% margin that would result in an automatic recount.

The win means Kaptur will serve her 22nd term in Congress. She is the longest-serving woman in congressional history. 

Kaptur's office has offered the following statement on her win Wednesday:

“The people of Ohio’s 9th District have spoken, and I am deeply grateful for the trust they have placed in me to continue fighting for working families, creating good-paying jobs, protecting healthcare for everyone, and securing Social Security and Medicare so Ohioans can retire with dignity. This campaign has always been about the strength and resilience of our communities, and today we celebrate not just a victory but a renewed commitment to the belief that what America makes and grows, makes and grows America.

“Together, we have delivered for Northwest Ohio, reinvesting in our communities, our industries, and our people.  I am inspired by the hardworking people across our district who fuel our economy every day and pledge to continue our work to grow jobs here at home, strengthen our manufacturing sector, and ensure dignity and stability for everyone who works hard and plays by the rules.  It is time to put partisanship aside and get back to work for America’s ‘Big Middle.’”

Lucas, Sandusky, Wood and Ottawa counties certified their election results on Wednesday, Nov. 20, preceded this week by Fulton, Williams and Erie counties. 

Though the Associated Press deemed the race too close to call, Kaptur claimed victory on Nov. 6, a day after Election Day. Since Nov. 5, the contest has been within just over 1,000 votes. 

Credit: WTOL 11

While most races around the country have been called in the time since Election Day, four House seats are still awaiting winners, after the Kaptur-Merrin race was called. 

The razor-thin margin reflected a deeply divided electorate in a district Kaptur had, in many years, won by an extremely comfortable margin. 

Kaptur, who has served in Congress since 1983, has focused on her extensive experience and commitment to local issues. Merrin, a state representative, has positioned himself as a fresh voice with a focus on conservative values and economic growth.

   

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