Incumbent Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) and Republican challenger Eric Conroy are set to face off in November after both secured their party nominations in Tuesday's primaries, according to Decision Desk HQ. The race for Ohio's 1st Congressional District is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the country, with control of the House hanging in the balance.
Landsman, who has held the seat since 2023, easily dispatched a primary challenge from businessman Damon Lynch IV. The congressman won 54.6% of the general election vote in 2024, but the political landscape has shifted significantly since then. After a mid-decade redistricting push last year, the Cincinnati-area district now leans more Republican. In 2024, former President Donald Trump lost the district by 6 points, but under the new map, he would have carried it by 2.5 points.
Conroy, an Air Force veteran and former CIA case officer, emerged from a crowded GOP primary field. His path was smoothed after President Trump endorsed him on April 14, prompting his top rival, self-funded dentist Steve Erbeck, to suspend his campaign—though Erbeck's name remained on the ballot. Conroy now looks to flip a seat that the Cook Political Report rates as "Lean Democrat" and lists among the most likely to determine the House majority.
The fundraising disparity is notable: Landsman has raised $3.7 million as of late April, compared to Conroy's $850,000. But outside groups are already pouring money into the district. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with House GOP leadership, has reserved $4 million in the Cincinnati media market for the general election, signaling that Republicans see this as a prime pickup opportunity.
The race also reflects broader national dynamics. In neighboring Indiana, GOP incumbents are facing voters in primaries that test the party's grip, while in Ohio, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy leads the GOP primary for governor, setting up a general election with Democrat Amy Acton. These contests underscore the shifting electoral landscape as both parties jockey for control.
Landsman has sought to frame the election around his record on local issues, while Conroy is running on national security credentials and an endorsement from Trump. The outcome will hinge on whether the redrawn map delivers a Republican win or if Landsman can overcome the new partisan tilt.
With control of the House at stake, Ohio's 1st District is poised to be a battleground where both parties will spend heavily. The race will test whether Democratic incumbents can hold ground in districts reshaped by GOP-led redistricting efforts.
