A recent campaign ad by Rep. Marcy Kaptur has created a strange scene in Ohio. The ad features the congresswoman stating she voted with Republicans to keep “transgender ideology out of our schools.” She added that boys should not play in girls’ sports. This message has drawn sharp criticism from her own party. Lucas County Democrats took to their Facebook page to call out the ad. They claimed the spot uses “hurtful language and references to ‘trans ideology.'”
The group demanded Kaptur remove the ad immediately. They expressed deep disappointment in her strategy. In a statement, Andrew Tobias wrote, “This is the type of harmful ad we expect from Derek Merrin and the Republicans.” He noted that the campaign stooped to the level of the opposition. The party called the rhetoric “incredibly dangerous” and “anti-trans.”
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
While Democrats were upset, Republicans saw an opening. Alex Triantafilou, the chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, noticed the rebuke quickly. He told the Daily Signal that this event shows the chaos within the Democratic campaign. Triantafilou stressed that Kaptur has been in office for four decades. He argued that being rebuked by her own party proves she has been in Washington “far too long.” He believes it is time for a change in the district.
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
Triantafilou also posted on X about the “stunning development.” He mentioned his past role as Hamilton County GOP chairman for 15 years. He said he could not imagine undermining his own candidate so close to an election. He called the issue of boys in girls’ sports “universally unpopular.” He warned that chaos abounds in the Democratic Party leadership.
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
The Kaptur campaign defended the congresswoman’s actions in a statement to the Daily Signal. Spokesperson Kylie Blitzer said Kaptur supports parents having more insight into their children’s education. She explained that the ad set the record straight on a vote to give parents more say. Blitzer stated that parents, coaches, and local sports associations should set the rules. She argued that politicians in Washington should not decide these matters. The campaign insists they want to ensure girls’ sports stay fair.
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
Blitzer also addressed the opponent, Derek Merrin. She claimed he is “desperate to change the subject.” The campaign maintains that their stance on parental rights is correct. They believe local communities know best how to handle school issues.
This fight shows a deep divide over how to talk about gender in schools. One side sees a harmful ad, while the other sees a necessary defense of parents. The race remains hot with just weeks left. Marcy Kaptur must now decide if she will listen to her local party or stick to her message. The voters in Ohio’s 9th District will have the final say.
