Politics & Government

Dennis Kucinich Likely Staying in Ohio to Fight for Congressional Seat

After state loses a seat, race may pit the Lakewood Democrat against Toledo-area Democrat Marcy Kaptur.

US Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-10) indicated this week that he may be staying in Lakewood — and Northeast Ohio — to fight for re-election after state Republicans released a redistricting plan that reshapes the congressman's district.

"It is an amazing turn of events that the legislature decided not to dismantle the district I represent,” said , who represents the 10th District, in a prepared statement.

Ohio has 18 U.S. House seats —13 of them held by Republicans — but because that’s about to change.

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After the population losses recorded by the 2010 U.S. Census, the Buckeye state is losing two congressional districts and the borders of the remaining districts are being redrawn. Under the new scenario, 12 of Ohio's 16 districts will lean Republican, according to a report by the Huffington Post.

The new electoral map, released on Tuesday by the GOP-controlled legislature, could pit Kucinich against Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D), who represents the Toledo area.

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Huffington Post reported that Kucinich was considering relocation — possibly to Seattle — if redistricting had forced him out.

But it looks as if he'll be trying to keep his  in Lakewood.

"I have been praying that I could continue to serve my Cleveland-area constituency and it looks like I have a chance,” Kucinich said. "That is all I could have hoped for."

The Ohio Senate is expected to vote on the redistricting map next week.


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