Who won the U.S. House races for central Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Incumbents kept their seats in most of the U.S. House seats covering central Ohio.
Five of Ohio's 15 Congressional districts touch central Ohio, representing parts of 46 of Ohio's 88 counties. Not all of the U.S. House races within these districts had incumbents on the ballot, however, but none is uncontested.
District 2 -- David Taylor
According to the Associated Press, Republican David Taylor is expected to defeat Democrat Samantha Meadows for the open seat in District 2, filling the role previously held by Republican Brad Wenstrup, who did not run for re-election and served since 2013.
Taylor is a former lawyer and current owner of his family's concrete business in his first campaign. Taylor, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, said he is an "America First" candidate who advocates for cryptocurrency freedom. He supports pro-life legislation, the Second Amendment, border control, nuclear energy and expanding school choice voucher programs.
District 3 -- Joyce Beatty
Democrat incumbent Joyce Beatty is expected to defeat Republican challenger Michael Young for her seventh re-election representing Ohio's 3rd U.S. House District, according to the Associated Press.
Beatty, 74, has held the House seat since 2012 and is a former Ohio House representative, professor and senior vice president of outreach and engagement at Ohio State University. Beatty supports lowering the cost of college, strengthening the Affordable Care Act, addressing the climate crisis, funding American infrastructure and expanding Social Security. She said she is especially passionate about issues affecting Black Americans, including voting rights and healthcare access.
District 4 -- Jim Jordan
District 4 Ohioans re-elected Republican Jim Jordan, who defeated Democratic challenger Tamie Wilson for the second time, according to unofficial results from the Associated Press.
Jordan, 60, has represented Ohio's 4th U.S. House District since 2007, before which he served five years as a state senator. Jordan supports securing the border, promoting a strong national defense and increasing domestic oil and gas. He is also staunchly pro-life, and was a close ally of Donald Trump during his presidency. Jordan is one of 147 federal lawmakers who objected to certifying the results of the last presidential election.
District 12 -- Troy Balderson
Republican incumbent Troy Balderson is expected to win a fourth term as District 12 Representative, defeating Democratic challenger Jerrad Christian, according to the Associated Press.
Balderson, 62, was first elected as Representative in 2018, although he previously served as both an Ohio State Senator and State Representative prior. According to his website, Balderson favors expanding natural gas as an energy source, expanding police forces and implementing tax cuts. He is currently a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
District 15
Republican incumbent Mike Carey resecured his position as District 15 Representative, defeating Democratic challenger Adam Miller, according to unofficial results from the Associated Press. Carey has held the role since winning a 2021 special election.
Carey, 53, said he is an America First outsider in Congress and former military officer. According to his website, he advocates for lower gas prices, tax deductions for energy companies, increasing affordable housing and supporting veterans and first responders. His former work as a leader in the coal energy industry shaped many of his pro-domestic energy policies.