Air Force vet wants to flip longtime Ohio Democratic seat

ATLANTA – Republican Air Force veteran Alea Nadeem says her childhood kidnapping is one of the defining experiences motivating her to challenge the longest-serving woman in congressional history, Ohio Democrat Marcy Kaptur. Rep. Kaptur has held Ohio’s 9th Congressional District since 1983. She won her 22nd term in 2024.

The district, which includes the Toledo and Cleveland areas, has historically leaned Democratic. Historically, it’s seen strong union support and been home to manufacturing jobs. This election cycle, however, it is more competitive. In recent years, there’s been economic concerns and shifting voter priorities that have reshaped the political landscape in northern Ohio.

Kaptur won reelection in 2024 by less than 1 percentage point. In October, political forecaster Sabato’s Crystal Ball changed the district’s rating from “toss up” to “leans Republican.” The Cook Political Report rates it as a “toss up.”

“It’s time for a new generation,” Nadeem said.

Nadeem told “Raising America” the story of her childhood trip to Iraq, where her father kept her captive and she lived for four years before her mother was able to rescue her with assistance from U.S. authorities. 

“I appreciate this country. I have lived without freedom. Things that were done to me were awful because I was just simply a woman and a girl. I could be an ISIS bride. I........

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