Politics
Jeffries backs Kaptur in Toledo-area race as Democrats target House majority
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigned in Toledo for Rep. Marcy Kaptur, calling the election environment favorable to Democrats as they seek to regain control of the House. He also criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to waive Russia sanctions and said lawmakers would pursue new restrictions.
TOLEDO, Ohio — House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigned Sunday for Rep. Marcy Kaptur, making the Toledo-area district a stop in Democrats’ effort to win back the House in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Jeffries said the political climate continues to favor Democrats and rejected the idea, voiced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, that Republicans will repeat their 2024 election gains. Jeffries, who would be positioned to become speaker if Democrats take the majority, said he has campaigned in about 50 cities.
Democrats are arguing that voters need a change in direction and that their party would focus on making the country more affordable, Jeffries said. The House majority will depend on closely contested races across the country, including in Ohio, where control of the Senate is also at stake.
Kaptur’s district is a priority for both parties. She has represented the region for decades and is the longest-serving woman in the House. Although former President Donald Trump carried the district, Kaptur defeated Republican Derek Merrin in 2024. Merrin is seeking the seat again.
Kaptur said her work extends beyond election campaigns, emphasizing efforts to improve people’s lives. Jeffries praised her as a prominent Great Lakes lawmaker and predicted she would again outperform expectations. Kaptur, 80, was hospitalized after a vehicle she was riding in was involved in a crash in August; she has said she recovered.
The visit also brought attention to Trump’s recent decision to waive provisions of a Russia sanctions law that Congress had approved. The sanctions were due to take effect Sunday. Jeffries said he expected bipartisan support in the House for a new sanctions package that would not give the president the same ability to waive the restrictions.
“It’s shocking, but not surprising, that an American president would do so much to undermine the cause of democracy, freedom and dignity for the Ukrainian people,” Jeffries said in Toledo.
Kaptur, a founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, also condemned the move. The Toledo region has a sizable Ukrainian American community, and Kaptur has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine as it fights Russia’s invasion. She said Trump’s action was “un-American” and accused him of siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The waiver drew criticism from members of both parties. Johnson said Sunday that Republican colleagues had raised concerns and that the issue required careful consideration of possible unintended consequences.