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Merrin for Congress

PO Box 75

Monclova, OH 43542

vote Derek merrin

A STRONGER AMERICA!

Defeat the Biden/Kaptur Agenda.

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vote derek merrin

A STRONGER AMERICA

Defeat the Kaptur/Biden Agenda.

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About

Meet Derek

Derek Merrin is a state representative from Lucas County serving his fourth term in the Ohio legislature. He is a conservative lawmaker and elected leader of the Ohio House Republican Caucus. Derek has successfully led efforts to cut the state's income tax, reduce regulations, and expand school choice. He played key roles in the passage of the Heartbeat Bill, Constitutional Carry Bill, and requirement to show photo-ID to vote. Also, Derek has captured about 20 legislative victories from sponsored bills and amendments that are making Ohioians lives better daily.


In the 134th General Assembly, Merrin served as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He is a strong advocate for lower taxes, simplifying the tax code, and promoting transparency. He previously served as Chairman of the House Health Committee where he advocated for policies to reduce healthcare costs, promote price transparency, and ensure better patient access through fewer regulations.

Merrin successfully repealed the sales tax on prescription eyewear saving taxpayers $45 million annually (HB116) and repealed the Financial Institution Tax on Small Business Investment Companies (HB 592). He prevailed in his pursuit of the Epinephrine Accessibility Act (HB 101) and the Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act (HB 214). He also simplified the process for homeowners to challenge their property value (HB 118). Additionally, in 2019, Merrin’s Fuel Tax Transparency Act requiring stickers on fuel pumps displaying the state and federal fuel taxes became law through the Transportation Budget (HB 62).


In 2020, Merrin successfully sponsored the Anthony Dia Act (760) making it easier for children and spouses of law enforcement and military service members killed in the line of duty to access college tuition waivers. He also won a victory to expand the Forever Buckeye Program (HB 371) to ensure those earning a GED in Ohio had the same access to in-state tuition benefits that other students had when moving back to Ohio. Furthermore, his Theft Victims’ Restitution Act (HB 66) made it easier for victims of theft to recover restitution for accounting costs incurred when determining their financial losses.


In 2021, Merrin successfully changed the law providing Ohioans an option to choose an eight-year driver’s license rather than a four-year license, significantly reducing needed visits to the BMVs throughout Ohio. He also successfully reduced mortgage lenders’ tax burden (HB 150), believed to be the highest in the nation at the time.


In 2022, Merrin’s Ballot Uniformity and Transparency Act (HB 140) became law making it easier for voters to understand the fiscal impact of tax and bond levies. He also reformed Ohio’s Board of Revision law (HB 126), which limits the power of local governments to challenge property values to increase property taxes on property owners.

In 2023, Merrin succeeded in establishing a permanent vehicle registration option for non-commercial trailers, which saves time and costs for the state owners of 600,000 trailers (HB23).

For the last 8 years, I have led the fight for conservative values at the Ohio Statehouse. Now, I'm ready to take the fight to Washington - defending our constitutional rights, demanding fiscal responsibility, and bolstering Northwest Ohio's economy."

-Derek

After a five-year push, Merrin pushed through the Affordable Homebuilding & Housing Act, which blocks property tax increases on subdivided lots until the home is built or lot is sold. In the state budget, Merrin spearheaded the requirement for school counselors to receive educational training at construction trades facilities to become knowledgeable about in-demand jobs. Also, he won on a measure to prohibit municipalities from levying income tax on minors’ income (HB 33).


Merrin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo and a Master of Public Administration degree from Bowling Green State University.



At the age of 19, he became a council member for Waterville City Council, and two years later, at the age of 21, he was elected Mayor of Waterville. He served as Mayor from 2008-2011.


Merrin makes his home in Monclova Township. He is an enthusiastic Bengals fan and a real estate investor. He played basketball for his high school, Monclova Christian Academy.

News and Press Releases

July 25, 2024
MONCLOVA TOWNSHIP, OH - Today, Derek Merrin, Republican nominee for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, announced that the Toledo Police Command Officers Association and Toledo Police Patrolman's Association have both endorsed his candidacy. "I applaud Toledo's law enforcement officers for putting their lives on the line everyday for the safety and security of everyone in our community. Marcy Kaptur has repeatedly undercut our police by her words and actions. While Marcy Kaptur believes that policing needs to be reimagined and supports legislation to end qualified immunity for police, I will stand by our law enforcement officers. I’m honored to have their support and look forward to continuing to work to ensure they have the resources and manpower necessary in order to protect Northwest Ohioans," said Derek Merrin, Republican nominee for Ohio's 9th Congressional District. "The City of Toledo is not a safer place with Marcy Kaptur representing us. It is time for a change. Northwest Ohioans need a candidate who stands with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of every resident, as well as someone who will be able to lead Ohio’s 9th district for years to come. That's why the Toledo Police Command Officers' Association is proud to support Derek Merrin for Congress." - Sgt. Daniel Raab, President of the Toledo Police Command Officers' Association.  "Police Officers across the nation have an exacting and unforgiving job. We face a multitude of challenges that are unique in both our professional and personal lives. Now more than ever it is crucial for police officers to have the support of their local and national leaders. Derek Merrin recognizes the challenges we face and will work to ensure we have the resources and manpower to protect and serve the community. The Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association endorses the candidacy of nominee Derek Merrin for the 9th Congressional District because he is committed to help police officers in their effort to keep the citizens of Ohio and the nation safe." - Michael Haynes, President of the Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association. NOTE: In the 117th Congress, Rep. Kaptur co-sponsored the End Qualified Immunity Act . Rep. Kaptur said that "public safety must be re-imagined," in 2021 . ###
By Emily Benavides July 11, 2024
MONCLOVA TOWNSHIP, OH - Today, Derek Merrin, Republican nominee for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, released the following statement after Rep. Marcy Kaptur voted against the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act which would prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections: "Marcy Kaptur voted against requiring proof of citizenship to participate in our federal elections, undermining our democratic voting process. The Kaptur/Biden agenda has put policies in place to allow mass illegal immigration thus creating the worst border crisis in American history, flooding our communities with illicit drugs like fentanyl and emboldening criminal cartels. As one of the leaders of Ohio's photo ID requirement law, once elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, I will continue to champion the integrity of our elections and the need to secure our border to ensure the safety of Northwest Ohio families." NOTE: Merrin championed House Bill 458 , Ohio's photo ID requirement law to ensure election integrity. The measure was signed into law on January 6, 2023 and became effective law of the state on April 7, 2023. ###
March 18, 2024
“Derek Merrin is an incredible America First Patriot” LUCAS COUNTY – Today, the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, officially endorsed State Representative Derek Merrin for his campaign for Congress in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. “Derek Merrin is an incredible America First Patriot who is running for Congress in Ohio's 9th Congressional District against a RINO, Craig Riedel, who is no friend of MAGA,” said President Trump on Truth Social. “As your next Congressman, Derek will fight hard to Secure our Border, Stop Inflation, Support our Military / Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Derek Merrin has my Complete and Total Endorsement - He will not let you down!” “I am honored to receive the endorsement from President Donald Trump. Together, we will defeat the Biden/Kaptur agenda that has been failing Northwest Ohio communities for far too long,” said Representative Merrin. “Under President Trump, our border was more secure, he unleashed our nation’s economy, communities in Northwest Ohio were safer, and our country was more free. This November, we will fight relentlessly to re-elect President Trump and retire Marcy Kaptur." Visit derekmerrin.com to sign up and donate to Derek’s campaign for Congress. About Derek: Derek Merrin has represented Northwest Ohio in the Statehouse since 2016, when he first won a three-way Republican primary to earn his seat. He currently represents the 42nd District, which is located within Lucas County – the largest county in the 9th Congressional District. In 2022, Merrin was soundly re-elected in a Democrat-leaning district by running a strong grassroots campaign that drew support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. He outperformed the political index by about 7 points. In the Ohio Statehouse, Merrin has served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the House Health Committee. He has advocated and passed bills that lowered taxes, simplified our tax code, promoted transparency, reduced healthcare costs, and cut regulations to ensure better patient access to healthcare. Merrin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo and a Master of Public Administration degree from Bowling Green State University. At the age of 19, he became a council member for the City of Waterville, and two years later, at the age of 21, he was elected as one of the youngest mayors in Ohio for Waterville. He served as Mayor from 2008-2011. Merrin makes his home in Monclova Township. # # # Contact: press@derekmerrin.com
January 31, 2024
“A true conservative fighter for Lucas County and Northwest Ohio” LUCAS COUNTY – Today, the Lucas County Republican Party officially endorsed State Representative Derek Merrin for the Republican nomination for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. “As a true conservative fighter for Lucas County and Northwest Ohio, Derek Merrin has our full endorsement for Congress. Derek has a proven record winning tough races in Lucas County. He has the grit, skills, and possesses the resources necessary to defeat Marcy Kaptur,” said Chris Joseph, Lucas County Republican Party Chairman. Chairman Joseph continued, “The Republican nominee must hold the line in Lucas County, which is why Derek Merrin should be the Republican nominee – he lives here and has a built-in network. Lucas County is the battleground. The last person Marcy Kaptur wants as an opponent is Derek Merrin. The Lucas County Republican Party is pleased to recommend and endorse Derek Merrin for the 9th Congressional District’s Congressman.” “Being from Lucas County, I consider it a tremendous honor to have the support of the county party. I have lived in Lucas County for the last 30 years, and I’m ready to fight for my neighbors that are being crushed by the heavy and misguided hand of Washington!” said Representative Derek Merrin. Merrin continued, “I have a proven record standing up against the established political class in Ohio, and I look forward to bringing that same courage to Congress. I will fight to uphold the Constitution, balance the budget, secure our borders, protect the U.S. dollar from further devaluation, and enact Congressional term limits.” Visit derekmerrin.com to sign up and donate to Derek’s campaign for Congress. About Derek: Derek Merrin has represented Northwest Ohio in the Statehouse since 2016, when he first won a three-way Republican primary to earn his seat. He currently represents the 42nd District, which is located within Lucas County – the largest county in the 9th Congressional District. In 2022, Merrin was soundly re-elected in a Democrat-leaning district by running a strong grassroots campaign that drew support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. He outperformed the political index by about 7 points. In the Ohio Statehouse, Merrin has served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the House Health Committee. He has advocated and passed bills that lowered taxes, simplified our tax code, promoted transparency, reduced healthcare costs, and cut regulations to ensure better patient access to healthcare. Merrin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo and a Master of Public Administration degree from Bowling Green State University. At the age of 19, he became a council member for the City of Waterville, and two years later, at the age of 21, he was elected as one of the youngest mayors in Ohio for Waterville. He served as Mayor from 2008-2011. Merrin makes his home in Monclova Township. # # # Contact: press@derekmerrin.com
January 25, 2024
“A proven conservative and demonstrated leader with a backbone” LUCAS COUNTY – Today, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson officially endorsed State Representative Derek Merrin for his campaign for Congress in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. “Derek Merrin has my full endorsement for his campaign in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. Derek is a proven conservative and demonstrated leader with a backbone who will prioritize economic growth, safer communities, and America First policies. He has what it takes to turn OH-09 red and grow our Republican majority in Congress,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “I am honored to receive the endorsement from Speaker Johnson who is a strong man of faith standing in the gap holding back Biden, the Democrat Senate, and Mary Kaptur from having full control to push America further to fiscal insolvency and a woke society,” said Representative Merrin. “I have a proven record of fighting against the established political class in Ohio, and I look forward to bringing that fight to Congress with a strong Republican majority where we will uphold the Constitution, balance the budget, secure our borders, protect the U.S. dollar from further devaluation, and enact congressional term limits.” Visit derekmerrin.com to sign up and donate to Derek’s campaign for Congress. About Derek: Derek Merrin has represented Northwest Ohio in the Statehouse since 2016, when he first won a three-way Republican primary to earn his seat. He currently represents the 42nd District, which is located within Lucas County – the largest county in the 9th Congressional District. In 2022, Merrin was soundly re-elected in a Democrat-leaning district by running a strong grassroots campaign that drew support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. He outperformed the political index by about 7 points. In the Ohio Statehouse, Merrin has served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the House Health Committee. He has advocated and passed bills that lowered taxes, simplified our tax code, promoted transparency, reduced healthcare costs, and cut regulations to ensure better patient access to healthcare. Merrin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo and a Master of Public Administration degree from Bowling Green State University. At the age of 19, he became a council member for the City of Waterville, and two years later, at the age of 21, he was elected as one of the youngest mayors in Ohio for Waterville. He served as Mayor from 2008-2011. Merrin makes his home in Monclova Township. # # # Contact: press@derekmerrin.com
January 9, 2024
LUCAS COUNTY – State Representative Derek Merrin, leader of the Ohio House Republicans, is leading the charge to override Governor DeWine’s veto of HB 68. “I strongly support overriding the Governor’s outrageous veto of HB 68, which I co-sponsored,” said Representative Merrin . “The bill protects minors from permanent, life-altering surgeries from the radical transgender movement pressuring our youth. The bill also protects women’s sports by stopping men forcing their way onto women’s sports teams and dominating the competition.” The Ohio House of Representatives will vote on the overriding the Governor’s veto on January 19. Representative Merrin is rallying his colleagues to vote for the override and to protect the rights of our youth and women’s sports. Visit derekmerrin.com to sign up and donate to Derek’s campaign for Congress. About Derek: Derek Merrin has represented Northwest Ohio in the Statehouse since 2016, when he first won a three-way Republican primary to earn his seat. He currently represents the 42 nd District, which is located within Lucas County – the largest county in the 9 th Congressional District. In 2022, Merrin was soundly re-elected in a Democrat-leaning district by running a strong grassroots campaign that drew support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. He outperformed the political index by about 7 points. In the Ohio Statehouse, Merrin has served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the House Health Committee. He has advocated and passed bills that lowered taxes, simplified our tax code, promoted transparency, reduced healthcare costs, and cut regulations to ensure better patient access to healthcare. Merrin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo and a Master of Public Administration degree from Bowling Green State University. At the age of 19, he became a council member for the City of Waterville, and two years later, at the age of 21, he was elected as one of the youngest mayors in Ohio for Waterville. He served as Mayor from 2008-2011. Merrin makes his home in Monclova Township. ### Contact: press@derekmerrin.com
December 20, 2023
A Proven Leader with a Backbone Running to Defeat Marcy Kaptur
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On the issues

Derek's Top Priorities

The Economy

The Biden/Kaptur economic policies are crushing Northwest Ohio families. Kaptur and Biden have instituted a tax-and-spend agenda that has resulted in inflation, outrageous costs at the grocery store, and put future generations of Northwest Ohioans on the hook for a skyrocketing national debt.


As a Member of Congress, I will do everything I can to get America’s fiscal house in order. I support a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget; America should only spend within our means. We must address the high cost of living, reduce Northwest Ohio’s tax burden, and bring American jobs back to America. 

Securing the Border

The reckless open-border policies of Marcy Kaptur and the Biden administration have allowed mass illegal immigration. Marcy Kaptur never met an illegal immigrant she didn't want to give an American Union job. The Biden and Kaptur policies have created the worst border crisis in American history, flooding our communities with illicit drugs like fentanyl and emboldening criminal cartels.


As a Member of Congress, I will continue to champion a secure border to ensure the safety of Northwest Ohio families. I support sending the military to secure the border to stop drug cartels and human trafficking. Furthermore, we must finish Trump's wall and deport illegal immigrants.

Energy

The Biden/Kaptur regime is wreaking havoc on reliable and affordable energy sources. The Democrats' mission to end the use of fossil fuels is driving up costs and making us more dependent on foreign adversaries. We should be unleashing American energy to provide Northwest Ohio families with reliable and affordable power.


As Ohio continues to grow, industry and manufacturing in the state will need more power, and as a Member of Congress, I will push for the development of all sources of power at our disposal to meet the demand, lower costs, and support American jobs.

Lake Erie

I care deeply about the water quality of Lake Erie. It is an incredible natural resource with an abundance of wildlife and natural habitats that we must protect. More than 11 million people receive their drinking water from Lake Erie alone, while tourism supports one in four private sector jobs. 


For over 40 years, Marcy Kaptur has allowed algal blooms to fester and cause crises, impacting our drinking water and adversely affecting our economy. As a Member of Congress, I will be proactive in securing investments and leveraging technology to protect Lake Erie.


Term Limits

I believe we must impose term limits upon Members of Congress to ensure new leadership that reflects the American population. That’s why I’ve signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge to cosponsor and vote for a constitutional amendment that limits members to three House terms. It’s time to challenge the political class and change Washington.


Social Security and Medicare

Northwest Ohioans deserve to know their Social Security and Medicare benefits will remain secure. In 1983, when Marcy Kaptur first took office, Social Security and Medicare were in a stronger position. Over the past 40 years, Marcy Kaptur has stood by as they have become fragile and at risk of becoming insolvent.


As a Member of Congress, I will protect our earned benefits that provide safety and security to elder Americans. Also, I support removing the federal tax burden on Social Security benefits as well as eliminating the windfall provision that penalizes hardworking Americans.

Veterans

Our veterans are the reason why we have a safe and secure republic. We must stand by our veterans and ensure they are treated like the heroes they are.


As a Member of Congress, I will stand up for our veterans and support legislation to make the Department of Veteran Affairs work for them. Meanwhile Marcy Kaptur has been in office for 40 years and has not acted to address the broken, bureaucratic system that is letting our veterans down. 

Crypto Currency

I’m a strong defender of crypto currency. We need a 21st century framework that protects individuals right to possess, trade, and conduct commerce with digital assets. Jobs creators advancing technology should be provided a fair playing field with clear laws.


As a Member of Congress, I will oppose unnecessary regulations on crypto currency and support a clear regulatory framework for the industry that ensures that the government won’t get in the way, maximizes our financial freedom, and promotes innovation.

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