Ryan defeats Trump-backed Hagan to retain U.S. House seat

NILES — Democratic Incumbent U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland won re-election in the U.S. House 13th District race, according to unofficial election results.

As of 11 p.m., the Associated Press showed Ryan with 163,916 votes and Republican challenger Christina Hagan of Alliance with 135,390 votes. Libertarian challenger Michael Fricke, who received 7,636 votes.

"We're excited," Ryan told Mahoning Matters Tuesday night. "We think we got our message out of all the accomplishments and all the exciting things going on in the Valley."

Ryan faced a tough challenge from former state Rep.Hagan, who had the support of President Trump. Ryan trailed Hagan in Trumbull County, where he received 42,548 votes to her 43,623 votes. In Mahoning County, with all precincts reporting and early votes accounted for, Ryan received 47,525 votes; Hagan received 35,680 votes.

The 13th district includes Youngstown, Warren, Kent and Akron.

Hagan released a statement Tuesday night thanking supporters and congratulating Ryan.

"While our effort fell short, I believe this campaign was successful in giving voters a true alternative voice and principled vision for this district," said Hagan.

Ryan is currently serving his ninth term in the seat. In his upcoming term, he plans to double down on stimulating economic growth in the Mahoning Valley, specifically in Lordstown, former home to General Motors Lordstown Assembly Complex, current home to electric truck company Lordstown Motors Corporation and future home of a General Motors electric battery plant.

"We're just going to keep going," Ryan said. "We've got a good game plan."

All results are unofficial until votes are certified Nov. 18.

This story was originally published November 4, 2020 at 4:11 AM with the headline "Ryan defeats Trump-backed Hagan to retain U.S. House seat."