Bob Latta reelected to represent Ohio's Fifth Congressional District

U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, will retain his seat to represent Ohio's 5th District in Congress. Latta soundly defeated Democratic challenger Keith Mundy, according to unofficial election results Tuesday evening. Latta carried 67.46 percent, or 248,918 votes; while Mundy held 32.54 percent, or 120,047 votes. In Lorain County, Latta held 53.25 percent, or 77,240 votes, while Mundy garnered 46.75 percent or 67,877 votes. Ohio's Fifth Congressional District includes all or part of Lorain, Huron, Seneca, Crawford, Wyandot, Hancock, Wood, Henry, Putnam, Paulding, Van Wert and Mercer counties. In a statement, Latta said he was humbled and honored to be reelected, and thanked his supporters in northern Ohio. "I'm eager to continue working on your behalf and advocating for conservative principles in Washington. Since first being elected in 2007, I've pledged to always put my constituents first," he stated. "I'm proud to say that mission has never changed. Whether it's working on behalf of residents who are running into trouble with federal agencies or advancing legislation to solve our nation's most pressing issues, it's an honor to work for and represent the people of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District." In a statement on his Facebook page, Mundy also thanked his supporters. "This campaign was never just about winning a seat," he wrote. "We knew from the beginning that we didn't have much of a chance. It was about ensuring the voices in Ohio's 5th District were heard. It was about making clear that, unlike the Republican Party, many of us still believe in the promise of democracy. It was about making sure that when my grandchildren ask, 'What did you do?' when looking back on this time in history, I will have an answer for them that I can be proud of. Thanks to you, our message was heard."