Michael Rulli wins Ohio special election to fill Bill Johnson's vacant seat: AP

Rulli defeated Democrat Michael Kripchak in the special election, who he will face again in November for a full-term. Rulli now will just serve the remainder of Johnson's term. Johnson resigned in January to become the new head of Youngstown State University. 

Published: June 11, 2024 9:45pm

House Republicans will receive another new member this year, after Ohio state Sen. Michael Rulli was projected to win a special election on Tuesday night to replace former Rep. Bill Johnson, according to the Associated Press. 

The party picked up a different win last month, after Rep. Vince Fong won a special election to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Republicans will now hold 219 seats in the House compared to Democrats' 213.

Rulli defeated Democrat Michael Kripchak in the special election, who he will face again in November for a full-term. Rulli now will just serve the remainder of Johnson's term. Johnson resigned in January to become the new head of Youngstown State University. 

The Republican is expected to keep his new seat in November, because his district is considered right of center, according to The Hill. But the special election was closer than expected because it had a low voter turnout. 

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