Turner, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Kristina Knickerbocker. Polls show the race trending towards a victory for Turner.
In November, incumbent Republican Rep. Michael Turner will face off against Democratic challenger Kristina Knickerbocker.
Turner ran unopposed in his primary, while Knickerbocker beat out a crowded field of five other Democratic candidates to secure her nomination.
Recent polls show Turner with the advantage, with several pollsters rating him between five and seven points ahead of Knickerbocker.
Rep. Turner was elected to Congress in 2002. He served as Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence from 2023 to 2025. He was also selected to sit on the Oversight Accountability Committee, which focuses on the accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the federal government and federal agencies. He also served as the lead Republican on the Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittee and served on the Strategic Forces subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, of which he is a senior member.
Turner is a former Dayton mayor, serving from 1994 to 2002, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump in the competitive race. He has acknowledged the importance of balancing his approach.
“I’m endorsed by President Trump but at the same time I think I’m able to balance my voice being important for the community and for representing all of the 10th District,” he said in a recent interview.
“Mike Turner has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote on social media.
In 2024, Turner won by 18 points. Having held the seat for 12 terms, Republicans are confident in his odds as the Democratic party pumps money into Ohio races in an effort to win back the House of Representatives.
“National Democrats are panicking and it shows,” said Zach Bannon, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. “Reps. Turner and Miller (another Ohio Republican incumbent) are battle-tested incumbents who consistently overperform and deliver results for Ohio, while Democrats resort to fantasy and spin.”
Knickerbocker is an Air Force veteran. She works as a Neuro-Oncology Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University Medical Center. This is her first time running for political office.
Knickerbocker’s campaign has been focused on affordability, medicine, and helping small businesses. She will have a tough race in November against the 12-term incumbent, Rep. Mike Turner.
As of second quarter filings, Knickerbocker had only $125,159 cash on hand. She is at a disadvantage against Turner, who has $556,284 cash on hand.
Ohio’s 10th Congressional District includes Montgomery and Greene Counties, as well as part of Clark County.
