FILE - Ohio state Rep. Derek Merrin talks to reporters on Feb. 15, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. Republicans are watching two hot-button federal races in Ohio on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, that could affect their chances for potentially pivotal pickups this fall. The Toledo-area congressional primary includes Merrin and former state Rep. Craig Riedel. Merrin joined the congressional race on the filing deadline, after audio that surfaced of Riedel criticizing Trump began raising concerns inside the party about his electability. (AP Photo/Samantha Hendrickson, File)
FILE - Ohio Rep. Craig Riedel speaks with members of the media, July 30, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. Republicans are watching two hot-button federal races in Ohio on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, that could affect their chances for potentially pivotal pickups this fall. The Toledo-area congressional primary includes Riedel and state Rep. Derek Merrin, who joined the congressional race on the filing deadline after audio that surfaced of Riedel criticizing Trump began raising concerns inside the party about his electability. (Joshua A. Bickel /The Columbus Dispatch via AP, File)