Republicans Vie for Ohio's 1st Congressional District

Crowded GOP primary aims to unseat incumbent Democrat Greg Landsman

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:26am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty congressional office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting a somber mood, conceptually representing the partisan tensions surrounding the race for Ohio's 1st Congressional District.The race for Ohio's 1st Congressional District seat has drawn a crowded field of Republican challengers, exposing the partisan tensions shaping the battle for control of Congress.Cincinnati Today

There is a crowded Republican primary this year of candidates hoping to unseat incumbent Cincinnati Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman, who won reelection in 2024 with 56% of the vote. Since that election, several Republican challengers have emerged, including a pastor who aims to "unite the Church around primary doctrine and to eliminate wokeism from the American pulpit."

Why it matters

Ohio's 1st Congressional District, which includes Cincinnati, is a key battleground in the ongoing partisan struggle for control of the House of Representatives. The outcome of this primary could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.

The details

Several Republican candidates have entered the race to challenge incumbent Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman, who defeated Republican Orlando Sonza in the 2024 election. The Republican field includes a local pastor who has made eliminating "wokeism" from American churches a central part of his campaign platform.

  • Landsman won reelection in 2024 with 56% of the vote.

The players

Greg Landsman

The incumbent Democratic Representative for Ohio's 1st Congressional District, who won reelection in 2024.

Orlando Sonza

The Republican candidate who ran against Landsman in 2024 and received 44% of the vote.

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The takeaway

The crowded Republican primary in Ohio's 1st Congressional District highlights the ongoing partisan battle for control of the House of Representatives, with the outcome potentially having significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.