photo by: Gage Vota

U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, gestures as he speaks with several local and national politicians in St. Clairsville. Also shown is Ohio Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Athens.

Congressman Michael Rulli, the Republican representing Belmont, Jefferson and Harrison counties in the U.S. House, easily won his Republican primary Tuesday.

As for Democrats, Elizabeth Kirtley of New Philadelphia is the winner in the crowded six-person 6th District, according to unofficial results. Both were somewhat surprising outcomes — with Kirtley stunned when told by a reporter that she won the primary.

Rulli, of Salem, who’s served in the House since June 2024, easily defeated Jullie Kelley of Monroe 79% to 21%, according to unofficial and incomplete results.

Rulli said: “I’m very, very pleased with the results. People are still believing in the movement. We still have a lot of work to do. We’ve got to work on the economy by lowering the gas prices and concentrating on affordability issues. The economy is the No. 1 goal for me. We’ll continue to work for the people and continue to earn their support.”

Rulli’s other priorities include safety at the southern border, American energy independence and rail safety.

During his nearly two years in Congress, the House has passed two of Rulli’s bills. Those bills are pending in the Senate.

Kirtley was told by a reporter that she was the victor, which took her by surprise.

“I am in awe and shock,” said Kirtley, a freelance writer.

After a request to gather her thoughts, Kirtley instead said, “We’re ready for November. We’re fighting for workers’ rights. We’re fighting for women’s rights. We’re fighting for everything.”

There were six Democrats in the 6th District’s Democratic primary.

With most of the district reporting, Kirtley had 31% of the vote to 22% for Adrian Vitus of Poland and 21% for Sean Connolly of Canfield.

With congressional redistricting taking effect with this election, the 6th District will include most of Mahoning and Stark counties as well as all of Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties and portions of Wayne and Holmes counties.

The district favors Republicans 63.9% to 36.1% for Democrats based on partisan statewide voting results during the past decade.

Rulli has huge financial advantages over his Democratic challenger.