Republican candidate Michael Rulli emerged victorious in the special election for Ohio's 6th Congressional District, securing a significant win for his party and contributing to the expansion of the Republican House majority. Rulli, a state senator from the Youngstown area and an executive in his family's grocery store chain, defeated Democratic opponent Michael Kripchak in a closely watched race for the expansive district situated along the Ohio River in eastern Ohio.
Rulli's triumph comes as he prepares to succeed former seven-term Republican Representative Bill Johnson, who vacated his seat in January to assume the presidency of Youngstown State University. The outcome of the election was largely anticipated, given the district's strong Republican leanings, with Donald Trump having carried it by a significant margin in the 2020 election.
During his campaign, Rulli garnered support from key figures within the Republican Party, including former Ohio GOP Chairwoman Jane Timken, Ohio Representative David Joyce, and the US Chamber of Commerce. These endorsements, coupled with Rulli's background and experience, positioned him as the frontrunner in the race.
This special election marked the first of two face-offs between Rulli and Kripchak this year, with the candidates slated to compete again in November for the full two-year term that commences in January. Rulli's victory not only solidifies his position as the district's representative but also bolsters the Republican Party's narrow House majority, with the party now holding 219 seats compared to the Democrats' 213, alongside three vacant seats due to resignations and a recent death.
