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Understanding the New Ohio 7th District
This is not really an opinion piece. It is more of a breakdown of what is happening in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. Obviously, this is a district I used to know extremely well, until the maps were changed again. And with every redraw, the political math changes too.
This time, the district leans a little more Republican than before. Even so, Democrats see blood in the water for incumbent Max Miller. They believe 2026 could be a national wave year, and that even districts leaning red might be competitive. That includes Ohio 7.
How the District Used to Look
When I ran, Ohio 7 included part of Cuyahoga County, all of Medina County, all of Wayne County, and a sliver of Holmes County. A diverse spread of suburban and rural regions, from Brunswick to Wooster to Medina. In that configuration, I lost by about 10 points, which was not surprising given the partisan makeup at the time.
The new Ohio 7 still keeps the same general region in Cuyahoga County. It still includes all of Medina County. But instead of all of Wayne County, the district now includes only about half of it, splitting Wooster right down the middle. Then, for the first time, it jumps south and picks up Ashland County.
That Ashland addition and the loss of the more Democratic areas of Wayne County shift the district more conservative. It is not a dramatic shift, but it is enough to make the race even more of a climb for Democrats.
And that is the reality. There is no point sugarcoating it.
The Candidates Who Have Declared
There are several Democrats already lined up to challenge Max Miller. With a competitive primary shaping up, voters will get a real chance to hear from a range of voices, platforms, and campaign styles. That is healthy. Primaries create contrast. They sharpen candidates. They force real conversation about priorities.
And for a district that is not naturally blue, Democrats absolutely need the strongest possible nominee.
Let’s meet the candidates:
Brian Poindexter [ [link removed] ]
A union ironworker from Cleveland (Local 17), apprenticeship instructor, former labor organizer, and Brook Park councilman. Poindexter frames his campaign around giving working families real representation in Washington, arguing that workers are consistently overlooked while corporations and the wealthy get preferential treatment. He positions himself as a hands-on, calloused-knuckle advocate for the overworked and underpaid, running on a working-class, pro-labor, “seat at the table” message.
Ed FitzGerald [ [link removed] ]
A former Lakewood Mayor, former Cuyahoga County Executive, and ex-FBI Special Agent who investigated corruption and organized crime. FitzGerald highlights a long record of government reform, transparency, and efficient local governance. After a decade as a small-business owner, he says he’s running because he’s disgusted with the state of Washington and wants to challenge Max Miller directly. He leans heavily on experience, corruption-fighting credentials, and a promise to restore good government.
Scott Schulz [ [link removed] ]
An educator and university admissions leader with deep ties to Northeast Ohio schools. Schulz has helped thousands of first-generation students access higher education and currently serves on the Bay Village Board of Education, where he navigated pandemic challenges and secured school funding. He presents himself as a bipartisan problem-solver focused on education, jobs, inflation, and healthcare. A family-oriented candidate with military-friendly credentials, Schulz emphasizes integrity, pragmatism, and community-driven leadership.
Michael Eisner (Cancer Survivor & Justice Advocate) [ [link removed] ]
A justice-focused candidate who has spent his career representing people who’ve been wronged. A cancer survivor, he says the care he received inspired him to fight for accessible, compassionate healthcare and a fairer version of the American Dream. He highlights his blended family, personal resilience, and a commitment to confronting Max Miller. He frames his run around compassion, fairness, and standing up for ordinary people.
My Thoughts on the Race
People have already asked for my opinions on these candidates and how I think the primary will shake out. The truth is, offering opinions this early would be presumptuous. Nobody has started debating yet. Nobody has been tested. Nobody has faced real scrutiny. Campaigns reveal things about candidates that no résumé ever will.
I have my predictions. I have my early reads on who has strengths and who faces headwinds. But I want to give these candidates the space to campaign before I give my full analysis.
Closer to the primary, I will give my full predictions on how the field stacks up. Until then, I am keeping my powder dry.
I am hopeful we see surprises. I am hopeful we see strong campaigns. I am hopeful we see candidates who talk about the issues that actually matter to working families. And I am hopeful that Ohio 7 shows what so many other districts across the country are showing in 2026. A Democratic electorate hungry for something new.
Whatever happens, this is a race worth watching. And I will be watching it closely.
Are you an ANGRY DEMOCRAT? If so, the please share with other Angry Dems.

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