Eight Democrats are jumping into a crowded primary to take on Republican Rep. Max Miller in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, turning the May 5, 2026 ballot into one of Northeast Ohio’s liveliest political showdowns. The field pulls in contenders from union halls, city halls and small law offices, all under the watchful eye of national and local operatives. With Miller well funded and the new 7th rated as a Republican-leaning seat, the Democratic primary could end up deciding who has the best chance to flip the district in November.
Who’s on the May 5 ballot
The Democratic primary lineup features Ed FitzGerald, Brian Poindexter, Ann Marie Donegan, Scott Schulz, Michael Eisner, John Butchko, Laura Rodriguez‑Carbone and Keith Mundy. According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, all eight have filed to appear on the May 5 primary ballot, while Rep. Max Miller is the lone Republican listed in the district. The official filings underscore just how crowded the Democratic side has become.
From county executive to ironworker
The roster is an eclectic mix. Ed FitzGerald is a former Cuyahoga County executive and former Lakewood mayor. Brian Poindexter is a union ironworker and a five‑term Brook Park councilman, while Ann Marie Donegan is a registered nurse who previously served as mayor of Olmsted Falls. Scott Schulz, Michael Eisner, John Butchko, Laura Rodriguez‑Carbone and Keith Mundy round out the field, bringing backgrounds in education, law, ministry and small‑business leadership, as detailed by Cleveland.com.
Labor muscle for one candidate
Brian Poindexter is leaning hard on organized labor. His campaign lists endorsements from Ironworkers International, the Ohio AFL‑CIO, the United Auto Workers and several other trade groups, along with support from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Reps. Ro Khanna and Chris Deluzio. Poindexter’s messaging centers on his working‑class roots and union experience, according to Poindexter for Congress.
Fundraising and the terrain
Money is already drawing a stark contrast. Ed FitzGerald’s authorized committee reported roughly $114,623 in receipts and about $70,596 in cash on hand for the 2025 reporting period, according to FEC filings. Incumbent Max Miller’s committee, by comparison, reported more than $1,025,374 in cash on hand at the end of 2025, highlighting the financial gap Democrats will have to close. The Cook Political Report continues to rate the new 7th District as leaning Republican and notes that the district backed Donald Trump by roughly 11 points, which makes November an uphill climb even as Democrats put the seat on their target list.
What to watch next
The May 5 primary will settle which Democrat, if any, can consolidate enough support and money to take on Miller in November, and national groups have already flagged the district as competitive, according to the DCCC. In the weeks ahead, voters can expect a ramp‑up in campaigning, endorsement announcements and fundraising pushes as the eight contenders try to break out of the pack before primary day.
.jpg){kind=link}