Shontel Brown

CLEVELAND - U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown of Warrensville Heights on Tuesday defeated a pair of primary challengers who claimed the 11th congressional district she represents had deteriorated on her watch.

She had 89% of the vote when the Associated Press called the race in her favor at 8:15 p.m. She defeated Shaker Heights teacher Ardelia Holmes and Cleveland tech worker Sean Freeman.

Brown has represented the 11th district, which includes Cleveland and most of its eastern suburbs, since winning a 2021 special election. She serves on the House Agriculture and Oversight committees and says she has delivered millions of dollars in district funding each year, including money for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, school programs, and a Cuyahoga County swimming initiative. She describes herself as having the 15th most progressive voting record in Congress according to Progressive Punch.

When top Agriculture Committee Democrat Angie Craig of Minnesota leaves the House next year, Brown hopes to succeed her as the committee’s ranking Democrat — and potentially its chair if Democrats retake the House.

On the Republican side, Highland Heights retired actuary Mike Kirchner was ahead of Cleveland Heights contractor James Hemphill in early balloting, but the Associated Press had not called the race.

It is the state’s most demographically Democratic congressional distirct, with a Cook Political Report D+28 rating, making it a steep climb for any Republican to win.