Dayton is emerging as a political battleground in Ohio, with heavy advertising in the 10th Congressional District. Campaign finance records show Democrats have recently increased efforts to unseat longtime Republican Rep. Mike Turner. Medium Buying, a Republican ad tracking firm in Columbus, said groups have reserved or spent $6.5 million on Dayton radio and TV for the race.
Of that, $4.32 million comes from Democrats and allies, with about half from a PAC tied to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the rest from a liberal dark-money network. Republicans are countering with $2.25 million, nearly all from two PACs linked to Trump and MAGA Inc.
Democrats have long tried to defeat Turner without success. In 2024, he won by 19 points, while Trump carried the district by 6 points. But Democrats argue this year is different. Dayton strategist Michael McGovern pointed to challenger Kristina Knickerbocker's background as an Air Force nurse and a poll showing 60% of voters in the Dayton/Cincinnati area disapprove of Trump's job performance.
Other Democrats cited Turner's supportive comments about the objectives behind the Iran war. McGovern leads the Innovation Ohio PAC, which has spent $250,000 on anti-Turner ads. He said a good environment and candidate open the door for resources to inform voters.
Republicans say they are not especially worried. A Turner spokesperson described Knickerbocker as propped up by out-of-state PAC dollars and criticized her support for a government-run public option for health insurance. Phil Plummer, chair of the Montgomery County Republican Party, said Democrats are testing the waters with Turner. He said he has seen many commercials but called Turner great for the region.