Running a campaign is a lot like running a small business. You stretch every dollar, you depend on your community, and you work hard every single day to keep things moving forward. It truly takes a village.
That’s how I’ve built this campaign from the ground up, powered by people who believe Northwest Ohio deserves better than what we’ve had for the past 40 years.
But now, our district looks different. Ohio recently redrew its congressional lines, and that means this race is more competitive than ever before. The opportunity to win has never been greater — but neither have the challenges.
My name is Alea Nadeem, and I want to share why I’m running to defeat Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congress.
I was born in Toledo to an American mother and an Iraqi father. When I was young, my father kidnapped me and took me to Iraq. I was forced to grow up under Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime, where women had no rights and speaking freely could cost you your life.
When I finally returned home to Ohio at age twelve, I was behind in school and spoke broken English. But I worked hard to catch up and to build a new life — one rooted in gratitude for the freedom I’d almost lost.
After 9/11, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. I wanted to serve the country that gave me a second chance.
Since then, I’ve spent my career in military intelligence, serving both on active duty and in the Air Force Reserve. I’ve advised top military leaders, deployed to the Middle East, and used my experience to help America understand the threats we face abroad.
Now, I’m called to serve in a new way. Northwest Ohio deserves a leader who will fight for its people — not a career politician who clings to power.
In Congress, I will fight to:
Support President Trump’s America First agenda
Protect our middle class, farms, and factories
Secure our border and stop the flow of illegal drugs
Rein in reckless spending and rising prices
Strengthen our military and defend our conservative values
Our military, our families, and our freedoms are worth fighting for.
With deep gratitude, Alea Nadeem Republican Candidate for U.S. Congress Ohio’s 9th District
A NOTE FROM ALEA NADEEM
I love America — not just because I was born here, but because I know what it’s like to live without freedom.
When I was only 8 years old, I was taken from my home in Ohio and left behind in Iraq to live under Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime.
Overnight, I lost the freedoms so many of us take for granted and was forced to live in a country where women had no rights, speaking out could cost you your life, and your future was not your own.
When I finally made it back to America at 12 years old, I promised myself I would give back to the country that never stopped fighting for me. That’s why, after 9/11, I joined the Air Force.
For over 20 years, I have served this country in the Air Force and rose to become a lieutenant colonel. I protected America’s interests abroad, advised senior military leaders, and defended the freedoms too many take for granted.
