Will face Democrat Meadows in fall

Businessman Dave Taylor has won the Republican primary for Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District seat, propelling him toward a likely win in the November general election.

Taylor, who has touted himself as a political outsider in a packed and expensive race, prevailed against nearly a dozen fellow GOP candidates to replace Republican U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, who is retiring at the end of the eyar.

He’s set to face Democrat Samantha Meadows in November in the solidly red district, which extends from the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati to the West Virginia border.

Taylor defeated 10 other candidates in what was the most expensive of Ohio’s congressional races this election. He raised roughly $1.7 million, the most of any candidate, though several others also reported over $1 million in campaign funds.

Taylor previously worked as a local prosecutor before taking over his family’s business, Sardinia Ready Mix, Inc., a concrete supplier.

His platform includes classic conservative talking points, such as securing the United States’ southern border, opposing abortion, and supporting gun rights and former President Donald Trump.

Lawrence County has been in the 2^nd District since 2023, after it was moved from the 6^th District and Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson due to congressional redistricting.