U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli faces primary challenge from Carroll County pastor

Incumbent faces criticism over voting attendance and alignment with Trump agenda

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:27am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fragmented shapes and lines in patriotic colors, conveying a sense of political turmoil and division.The primary challenge in Ohio's 6th Congressional District reflects the Republican party's internal tensions over its future direction.Canton Today

Incumbent U.S. Representative Michael Rulli is facing a primary challenge from Carroll County pastor Jullie Kelley for Ohio's 6th Congressional District. Kelley has criticized Rulli's voting attendance and his alignment with former President Trump's agenda since taking office in 2024.

Why it matters

The primary race in Ohio's 6th Congressional District is an important test of the Republican party's direction, with the challenger positioning herself as a more conservative alternative to the incumbent who has aligned closely with the Trump administration.

The details

Jullie Kelley, a pastor from Carroll County, has launched a primary challenge against incumbent U.S. Representative Michael Rulli. Kelley has criticized Rulli's voting attendance record and his support for former President Trump's policies since taking office in June 2024.

  • Rulli took office in June 2024.

The players

Michael Rulli

The incumbent U.S. Representative for Ohio's 6th Congressional District.

Jullie Kelley

A pastor from Carroll County who is challenging Rulli in the Republican primary for Ohio's 6th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“Since taking office in June 2024, I have remained committed to working families across Ohio's 6th Congressional District and to standing with President Trump in delivering his America First agenda”

— Michael Rulli, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The Republican primary election in Ohio's 6th Congressional District is scheduled for May 2026.

The takeaway

This primary race will test the Republican party's direction, with the challenger positioning herself as a more conservative alternative to the incumbent who has closely aligned with the Trump administration.