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Republicans Retain Hold On Open US House Seat

Ohio Public Radio

A two-term Ohio senator who was backed by both President Trump and Governor John Kasich, a Trump critic, has won a congressional special election, retaining a coveted open House seat for Republicans. 

Voters picked Senator Troy Balderson, of Zanesville, over Democratic Franklin County Recorder Danny O'Connor to complete the unexpired term of former Republican Pat Tiberi, who retired in January. Balderson will face O'Connor again in November for a full two-year term. The gridlocked race decided Friday was a test of voter sentiment before November's general election. Balderson's victory buoys Republicans concerned about how Trump is playing in swing states. But O'Connor was a long shot in the district, held by Republicans for nearly 35 years. The Republican Kasich represented the district before Tiberi.

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