Last week, the Lucas County Democrats publicly criticized Rep. Marcy Kaptur regarding a campaign ad. The group shared a statement on Facebook regarding the advertisement they claim contains hurtful language.
They demanded the removal of the ad touting her vote against "transgender ideology in schools." The statement included a specific quote from party member Andrew Tobias. The group expressed deep disappointment with the congresswoman's recent actions. They declared their shame that the Kaptur campaign descended to using dangerous rhetoric. This move has created a rare split within the local Democratic leadership.
The Lucas County Democratic Party is calling on Marcy Kaptur to take down her ad touting her vote against "transgender ideology in schools."
"This is the type of harmful ad we expect from Derek Merrin and the Republicans." pic.twitter.com/Dh0ZS7vLvD
— Andrew Tobias (@AndrewJTobias) September 22, 2026
Rep. Kaptur defended her record in a statement released to the Daily Signal. She emphasized her support for parents having more insight into their children's education. She observed that she cast votes with Republicans to grant parents greater classroom influence. Her campaign spokesperson, Kylie Blitzer, said she believes parents should set the rules.
This is a stunning development. I was @HamCoGOP chairman for 15 years and can’t imagine undermining our candidate, who is fighting for their political life just 41 days before an election, especially on something as universally unpopular as boys playing in girls’ sports. It’s one… https://t.co/zkARr9rJtz
— Alex Triantafilou 🇺🇸🐘🇺🇸 (@ChairmanAlex) September 22, 2026
Blitzer stated that coaches and local sports associations, not politicians in Washington, should ensure girls' sports stay fair. The congresswoman herself said she voted to keep ideology out of schools. She argued that boys should not play in girls' sports and that parents know what is best for their kids. Her ad urged voters not to let opponents change the subject.
Kaptur Lying is par for the course - anything to hold onto her power, title, and money. 🤥 https://t.co/Xx8MzijNEd
— Derek Merrin (@DerekMerrin) September 23, 2026
Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou noticed the statement from Lucas County Democrats immediately. He told the Daily Signal that this event highlights a desperate need for change. Triantafilou stated Kaptur has served four decades in office, and her rebuke reveals campaign chaos. He argued she has been in DC for far too long.
NOTE: Dems aren’t choosing to “hit back” on the trans issue — they're LYING about it.@RepMarcyKaptur won’t keep trans ideology “out of our schools” because she has supported letting boys play against girls for 12 years, cosponsoring the Equality Act SIX times. pic.twitter.com/MELGX9SQJ7
— Congressional Leadership Fund (@CLFSuperPAC) September 22, 2026
Just 41 days before an election, he stated on X that he could not imagine undermining a candidate fighting for their political life. He called the development from his own party stunning. Triantafilou noted his past role as Hamilton County GOP chairman to speak about the situation. He wrote that chaos abounds in the Democratic Party according to his post.
The race remains one of Ohio's most hotly contested contests as the election date approaches.
