Who's running in Ohio's 8th congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · Warren Davidson currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Cutting federal spending, as a House Freedom Caucus member.
Limits on federal surveillance powers, an area where he has broken with his own leadership.
Sound money and cryptocurrency policy.
Manufacturing policy, drawing on his company ownership.
Border security and immigration enforcement.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
U.S. Representative for the 8th District since June 2016, when he won the special election to replace John Boehner; re-elected in 2024 with 62.8%.
West Point graduate and former Army Ranger; owned a manufacturing business before Congress.
Member of the House Freedom Caucus; has repeatedly voted against his own party's leadership on spending and surveillance measures.
Endorsed for re-election by President Trump on May 5, 2026.
Arguments in favor
President Trump endorsed his re-election, and the state Republican party backed the Trump-endorsed slate.
— President Donald Trump; Ohio Republican Party
Arguments against
His Democratic opponent says he described veterans who served the country as moochers and pretenders, and has built her campaign around that remark.
— Vanessa Enoch's campaign
What we couldn’t verify
His campaign also makes a case for him based on his own experience and seniority — his campaign presents him as a member who votes his conscience rather than his leadership's instructions, pointing to his record of opposing spending packages and surveillance authorities backed by his own party — but that is the candidate describing himself rather than an argument made by anyone else, so it is recorded here and in his record rather than presented alongside the criticism of him.
The context and exact wording of the remark about veterans could not be verified against a primary source; it is recorded as his opponent's characterisation.
Davidson's response to it was not established from sources read.
A second criticism of him from this cycle, from a source other than his opponent, could not be found.
Responsible and accountable government, the theme of her campaign.
Support for veterans, which she has made central after her opponent's remarks about them.
Health care access.
Economic opportunity in Butler County.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Democratic nominee for this district in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024; lost each time to Warren Davidson.
Won the May 5, 2026 Democratic primary against Madaris Grant.
Researcher and consultant with a doctorate; has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Enoch by name could be found. Searched: her name with 'criticism', with 'opponent', against National Republican Congressional Committee material, against Warren Davidson's campaign, and against WCPO, WVXU and Journal-News coverage. Because no case against her exists on the record, no case for her is presented either.
Her endorsements and fundraising were not established from sources read.
Her detailed federal policy positions beyond the themes above were not established.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Ohio held its primary on May 5, 2026, under the new congressional map adopted in October 2025. Republican incumbent Warren Davidson faces Democrat Vanessa Enoch for the fifth time; Enoch beat Madaris Grant for the nomination. The district covers the northern and western suburbs of Cincinnati, including most of Butler County, and has been safely Republican. Roster confirmed against Ballotpedia and WCPO and WVXU reporting. Criticism of Enoch by name could not be found, so her entry carries no arguments in either column.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Ohio ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.