Marcy Kaptur U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 9th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Marcy Kaptur U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 9th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Representative Marcy Kaptur, who has served Ohio’s 9th district in the U.S. Congress since 1983, posted a series of messages on September 14, 2025, reflecting on the life and legacy of Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar.
In her first post, Kaptur wrote, "We were all blessed to know Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar — a highly gifted, indefatigable extraordinary woman of deep faith. As the first Democratic Congresswoman ever elected from our home State of Ohio, Mary Rose was elected to Congress from inside the working class of people." (September 14, 2025)
Kaptur continued her tribute in a subsequent message: "She exhibited raw courage, loyalty, perseverance, high learning, precious humor, and stellar insight into human nature. Her hearty laugh elevated people’s spirits. She suffered no fools." (September 14, 2025)
In a third post made minutes later, Kaptur stated: "She not only stood her ground but made her own ground — to serve senior citizens, housing, pay equity, and better health care for women, moving into the ranks of Democratic House leaders where she firmly stood as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus." (September 14, 2025)
Mary Rose Oakar was recognized as the first Democratic congresswoman elected from Ohio and was known for her advocacy on behalf of working-class communities.
Representative Marcy Kaptur has been representing Ohio's 9th District since replacing Ed Weber in 1983. Born in Toledo in 1946 and currently residing there at age 76, Kaptur graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a BA in 1968.
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