Joyce Beatty

Incumbent Democrat Joyce Beatty is defending her seat in Ohio's 3rd Congressional District, which covers most of Columbus, against Republican challenger Cleophus Dulaney in the November 3 election. Beatty, 76, has held the seat since 2012, serves on the House Financial Services Committee, and is campaigning on affordable housing, civil rights, education and the economy.

Dulaney, 66, a local business owner who previously lost a 2020 primary bid for the seat, was arrested by the FBI in 2024 in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, facing charges including assaulting a police officer. He received clemency from President Trump on his first day in office as part of a mass pardon covering roughly 1,600 people tied to the attack. Dulaney describes his participation as peaceful protest and says he is running on cost-of-living, immigration and housing issues, though he lacks the Franklin County GOP's endorsement. Notably, records show Dulaney actually resides just outside the district he seeks to represent, while Beatty lives within its boundaries.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Thursday on Missouri's congressional map, a week after the Supreme Court blocked a lower court ruling that would have kept a 2025 GOP-favored map in place. The suit, filed by Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.), centers on whether Missouri reverts to its 2022 district lines so close to the upcoming elections, which lawmakers warn could create administrative chaos.

Separately, the Kennedy Center's board closed the performing arts venue, prompting ex-officio board member Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) to seek an emergency federal hearing demanding an explanation, with the Justice Department ordered to respond. President Trump, after a North Carolina rally with Senate candidate Michael Whatley, returned to the White House to sign executive orders and host a Rose Garden dinner. The Senate is voting on the Protect College Sports Act, while House Speaker Mike Johnson sent members home early for a seven-week recess extending past Election Day.