Former professor Don Leonard wins Ohio's 15th District for Democrats
The gist
Democrat Don Leonard, a first-time candidate, beat Republican Rep. Mike Carey in Ohio's 15th District.
The upset flips a seat rated lean Republican.
How it unfolded
- Mar 28, 2026Leonard was arrested in Grove City after using a megaphone at a "No Kings" protest; police cited him for violating a noise ordinance and arrested him after he refused an order to step away.
- Oct 23, 2026Leonard, by then the Democratic nominee, talked with a voter at the Circleville Pumpkin Show in Circleville, Ohio.
- Nov 3, 2026The Associated Press projected Leonard beat Republican Rep. Mike Carey; unofficial Ohio Secretary of State results showed Leonard leading 52% to 45% with 85% of precincts reporting, while Libertarian Brennan Barrington got under 3%.