In a major political development, Madison Sheahan, the Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has resigned from her post to launch a campaign for Congress in Ohio.
Multiple federal law enforcement sources confirmed today that Sheahan is running to represent Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Marcy Kaptur. Kaptur has served in Congress since 1983 and is the longest-serving woman in the House. Despite the district’s recent tilt toward President Trump in last year’s election, Kaptur secured re-election in November 2024.
On her campaign website, Sheahan promises a vigorous fight to “protect American jobs, paychecks, and values” in the district. She criticized the current representation, saying Northwest Ohio has been “represented by a career politician disconnected from the people.” Sheahan expressed strong support for former President Trump’s agenda, stating her commitment to making America “safer, more affordable, and more prosperous.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised Sheahan’s leadership, calling her a “workhorse” and “terrific leader” who has been instrumental in driving ICE’s mission to target, arrest, and deport criminal illegal aliens. Noem wished Sheahan well in her new political pursuit.
Meanwhile, the incumbent Congresswoman Kaptur’s campaign responded by emphasizing her ongoing focus on delivering tangible results for her constituents. Her team highlighted efforts to lower costs for families, protect affordable healthcare, and bring investments to Northwest Ohio. The campaign also criticized recent Republican primary fights, describing them as messy and focused on partisan politics.
Sheahan brings extensive government experience to her campaign. Prior to serving as ICE Deputy Director, she held leadership roles including Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and key positions under former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
During her time at ICE, Sheahan oversaw one of the largest federal law enforcement agencies, managing a period of significant growth and transformation. Under her leadership, ICE expanded its workforce dramatically and increased its budget from $10 billion to $85 billion, hiring 12,000 new law enforcement officers in just six months.
This move by Sheahan marks a notable shift from federal law enforcement into the political arena, setting the stage for a potentially heated contest in Ohio’s 9th District.
We will continue to follow this story as the campaign unfolds. For now, that’s the latest on Madison Sheahan’s bid for Congress.
Reporting by Kathy Moore.
