TOLEDO, Ohio —
Three Republican candidates — Steve Lankenau, Derek Merrin and Craig Riedel — will be on the primary ballot for Ohio's 9th Congressional District seat in Congress.
The three are running to face incumbent Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo). She is the longest-serving woman in Congress and is seeking re-election to a 22nd consecutive term.
There were originally four candidates running, but J.R. Majewski suspended his campaign in early March.
Steve Lankenau
Lankenau received his undergraduate degree from Miami University and later got a degree from Harvard University.
He served three terms as mayor of Napoleon in his early 20s. He then moved into the private sector.
Lankenau worked in the healthcare industry and owned a radio station. He now works as a real estate broker in Defiance.
"There is only one duty, one thing in the job description for the nominee of our party, and that is to defeat a long-term Democrat incumbent," Lankenau said. "I've done that. I did that when I was elected mayor."
He said although he has held office before, he does not think he is a career politician, which compelled him to run.
Derek Merrin
Merrin is currently serving his fourth term as state representative for Ohio's 42nd District. He got his start in politics when he was elected to city council in Waterville, and then served as mayor at age 21.
"I've grown up in Lucas County for 30 years and graduated from the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University," Merrin said.
A love for the community he grew up in started his political career.
"I've always wanted to make a difference and I've thought that public service and being involved was the best way to have the most impact for the most people," Merrin said.
The state representative feels he can defeat Kaptur if he is the party's nominee.
"I'm a proven winner that has shown they can win tough elections," Merrin said. "I've never lost an election, I've always had great people behind me and people that believed in me, but I'm undefeated on the ballot."
Craig Riedel
Riedel grew up in Seneca County near Tiffin and went to Ohio State University. He graduated with a civil engineering degree.
"I ended up working for a steel company called Nucor, and I spent 27 years there," Riedel said. "My background is all private business. Most recently I was a state representative in northwest Ohio where I served the 82nd House District for three terms for six years."
Riedel said the results of the 2012 presidential election compelled him to get involved in politics.
"I retired from Nucor in June of 2015 to run for state representative, and it was something where we just felt led," Riedel said. "We felt called to. And the reason we're running for Congress today is the same reason."
He said his past makes him the best candidate in the race.
"No one can match my background in this race," Riedel said. "One of the other candidates can claim that they've worked in the private sector for the combination of 27 years, having been a conservative fighter in the Ohio General Assembly for six years."
For more information about the March 19 primary and to find your polling location, visit WTOL 11's voter guide.