U.S. House battle in Ohio highlights stakes of Trump’s Russia sanctions waiver

TOLEDO, Ohio — House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Sunday that the election climate remains favorable for Democrats as he campaigned for Rep. Marcy Kaptur in a fiercely contested Ohio congressional district that is critical for determining control of the House.

Jeffries rebuked President Donald Trump’s abrupt decision to waive sanctions on Russia, stating that a bipartisan effort will move forward with a new sanctions package that the president cannot unilaterally waive.

“It’s shocking, but not surprising, that an American president would do so much to undermine the cause of democracy, freedom and dignity for the Ukrainian people,” Jeffries told The Associated Press after attending church services in Toledo.

Jeffries, who is positioned to become House speaker if Democrats regain the majority, has visited roughly 50 cities campaigning for Democratic candidates. He called House Republicans “divorced from reality” for believing, as Speaker Mike Johnson suggested, that the November 3 election will mirror the 2024 sweep that elected Trump and gave Republicans control of Congress.

“We are working hard across the county, continuing to make the case that we need dramatic change as opposed to the status quo,” Jeffries said, “and that Democrats are going to be the only ones to fight to make this country affordable.”

Ohio races are key to control of Congress

The Buckeye State is fiercely contested in these midterm elections that will decide control of Congress. While much focus has been on the Senate race between Republican Sen. Jon Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown, the House contests are a district‑by‑district battle essential for determining the chamber’s leadership.

The Toledo‑area House seat is a top priority. Kaptur, who has served for decades, is the longest‑serving woman in the House. However, Trump carried the district and Republicans are attempting to flip it. Kaptur defeated GOP candidate Derek Merrin two years ago, but he is running again.

“We work very hard,” Kaptur told AP. “We don’t just work at elections. We work to make a difference in the lives of people.”

In August, Kaptur, 80, was traveling to church when the vehicle she rode in was struck. She was hospitalized with injuries but has since recovered.

Jeffries called Kaptur a legendary figure in the Great Lakes Region. “Once again, she’s going to defy all expectations,” he said.

Trump’s waiver of Russia sanctions roils campaigns

The area has a large Ukrainian American population, and Kaptur is founder and co‑chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, a bipartisan group focusing on Ukraine.

She criticized Trump’s decision late Friday to waive provisions of the Lindsey Graham‑named Russia sanctions bill, which Congress passed to aid Ukraine against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

“What he did is just un‑American,” she said. “He has sided with Putin.”

Members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, expressed outrage over the weekend at Trump’s decision to waive the sanctions, which were scheduled to take effect Sunday. Trump had signed the bill into law the previous month.

Johnson said Sunday on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” that several colleagues have raised concerns. He added that he had not yet spoken with Trump but knows the president is evaluating the situation.

“A careful discussion is needed, and I think we should consider the unintended consequences,” Johnson said.

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