A deputy director with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resigned to challenge incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District seat. Madison Sheahan, 28, announced her campaign on January 15, entering a race already identified as one of the most competitive in the country.
A Competitive Race Takes Shape
Sheahan’s challenge comes after Kaptur narrowly won reelection in 2024. The 9th District encompasses Toledo and surrounding areas of northwest Ohio. Sheahan, who describes herself as a “Trump conservative,” previously served as deputy director at ICE, a position she is leaving after less than a year. She stated in a campaign video, “In less than one year with ICE, I’ve stopped more illegal immigration than Marcy Kaptur has in her 43 years in Washington.”
Prior to her role at ICE, Sheahan worked for former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, now the Secretary of Homeland Security, and as the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She is a graduate of Ohio State University, where she studied public affairs and competed on the women’s rowing team.
A Crowded Primary and Shifting Political Landscape
Sheahan joins a Republican primary field that includes state Rep. Josh Williams, former state Rep. Derek Merrin, and Air Force veteran Alea Nadeem, with a primary election scheduled for May. The district has been redrawn to be more Republican, potentially influencing the outcome of the November general election. Adding another layer to the race, David Gedert, also known as the drag queen Sugar Vermonte, is running as a libertarian candidate.
Kaptur’s campaign responded to Sheahan’s announcement, stating the Congresswoman is “focused on delivering real results for her constituents” and working to address economic concerns and healthcare access. They also criticized what they characterized as “self-dealing corruption and culture of lawlessness.” Kaptur previously supported a resolution expressing support for ICE, voting with 75 other Democrats in June 2025, a decision that drew criticism from some within her party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Madison Sheahan?
Madison Sheahan is a 28-year-old former deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who is now running for Congress in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District.
Who currently represents Ohio’s 9th Congressional District?
Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat, currently represents Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. She won reelection by a narrow margin in 2024.
What is the political outlook for this race?
The Cook Political Report identifies the race as a “Democrat toss-up,” indicating it is expected to be highly competitive.
As the campaign season progresses, will the focus remain on immigration policy, or will other issues take precedence for voters in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District?
