Former ICE Deputy Director Seeks GOP Nomination in Ohio

Madison Sheahan launches bid for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, touting her ICE record

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Madison Sheahan, the former deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has announced her bid for the Republican nomination in Ohio's 9th Congressional District. Sheahan, 28, is seeking to take on longtime Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur in what is expected to be one of the nation's most competitive House races in the 2026 election cycle.

Why it matters

Sheahan's campaign is an early electoral gauge of the voting public's views on the Trump administration's deportation tactics. Her pro-ICE stance comes as a majority of Americans support changes to the agency, including calls to abolish it. The race in Ohio's 9th District will be a key battleground as Democrats aim to net three seats and reclaim the House majority.

The details

Sheahan, an Ohio native, previously worked as a political aide for then-Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) and in the administration of Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA). She faces a crowded Republican primary field, including former state Rep. Derek Merrin, who narrowly lost to Kaptur in 2024. Kaptur, 79, has held the seat since 1983 and is a leading critic of international trade deals, a message that aligns with Trump's populist rhetoric. However, the district has become more conservative-leaning, with Trump winning it 55% to 44% in 2024.

  • Sheahan announced her candidacy on January 15, 2026.
  • The Republican primary is scheduled for May 5, 2026.
  • The general election will take place on November 5, 2026.

The players

Madison Sheahan

The former deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who is seeking the Republican nomination in Ohio's 9th Congressional District.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)

The longtime Democratic congresswoman who has held the 9th District seat since 1983.

Derek Merrin

A former state representative who narrowly lost to Kaptur in 2024 and is running for the Republican nomination in the 9th District.

Kristi Noem

The former governor of South Dakota, where Sheahan previously worked as a political aide.

Jeff Landry

The governor of Louisiana, where Sheahan also worked in the administration.

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What they’re saying

“In less than one year at ICE, I've stopped more illegal immigration than Marcy Kaptur has in her 43 years in Washington. Ohio neighborhoods are safer thanks to President Trump and ICE.”

— Madison Sheahan (Campaign launch video)

“I remain committed to serving Northwest Ohio and will seek re-election with a renewed focus on accountability and protecting the voice of the people.”

— Rep. Marcy Kaptur (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race will be a key battleground as Democrats aim to retake the House majority, with Sheahan's pro-ICE stance contrasting with growing public skepticism of the agency's tactics. The outcome could provide insight into the electorate's views on immigration policy and the Trump administration's deportation efforts.