Republican · Ohio's 9th District · 2026
Derek Merrin
Merrin moved to Waterville at 13, won a city council seat at 19 and became mayor at 21.
Biography
Derek Merrin was 13 when his family moved from Long Island to Waterville, Ohio.1 His father was a public school teacher and Baptist pastor, and his mother was a registered nurse.1 He played basketball at Monclova Christian Academy and is a Cincinnati Bengals fan.2
Merrin entered local government by winning a Waterville council seat at 19 and the mayor's office at 21.2 He served as mayor from 2008 through 2011.2 He attended Owens Community College before transferring to Toledo.1 He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo and a master's in public administration from Bowling Green State University.2 He now lives in Monclova Township and works as a real estate investor.2
His Ohio House service ran from 2016 to 2025 and included chairing the Ways and Means and Health committees.12 In 2017, he sponsored a bill to remove sales and use taxes on prescription eyeglasses, frames and contact lenses; it passed the House 93 to 1.3
Merrin again faces Democrat Marcy Kaptur, who defeated him in their 2024 race.4 Merrin says his congressional priorities are lowering income taxes, reducing regulations and bringing down living costs.5 He supports increasing energy production and the infrastructure needed to move and refine it.5 He has also expressed reservations about tariffs that raise consumer prices and called for concluding the military conflict with Iran.5
Record and controversies
FEC complaint dismissed
The Federal Election Commission dismissed a complaint concerning impermissible state campaign fund transfers and reporting requirements in October 2024, with the file closing November 29.6 Merrin's committees said they had relied on a treasurer's mistaken advice and refunded the transfers.6 The commission exercised prosecutorial discretion, citing the low dollar amount, refunds and completed reports; this was a dismissal, rather than a finding that every challenged transaction was permissible.6