Ohio GOP Candidate Sends Concession Speech Early

In Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District, Derek Myers, a Republican candidate with slim chances, mistakenly sent out his concession speech hours before the polls closed, only to retract it with a “disregard” email.

Myers is one of 11 Republicans vying to replace the retiring GOP Rep. Brad Wenstrup, while Samantha Meadows is the lone Democrat in the race for Wenstrup’s seat.

“Tonight did not go as we had hoped, but as we know, this race is decided in the primary,” Myers’ concession email began, followed by the correction email.

“The previous email citing a concession was sent in error, due to a technical issue,” read the subsequent “Myers for Congress” email. “Disregard concession email.”

The premature concession was sent shortly after 3 p.m. local time, with polls remaining open until 7:30.

“The concession email was sent in error as it was being loaded into the media distribution portal, as a draft, in the event of a loss. Accidentally, the ‘send now’ button was clicked instead of ‘draft.’ The winning email was also drafted, but was not sent in error, thankfully. Anyone who works in communications knows it’s not uncommon to have speeches and releases prepared in the event of each outcome, especially on such an important night. It’s simply good strategy,” Myers explained in a subsequent statement.

Myers was able to make light of the situation.

“If this whole politics thing doesn’t work out, maybe I can be hired to be a spokesman like Bob Dole? Problem is, I have no issue in that department… yet,” he tweeted, linking to a 1998 commercial for Viagra.

In January 2023, Myers briefly worked for former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., months before Santos was expelled from Congress by his own party. Myers filed a sexual harassment claim against Santos when the offer was rescinded, although the Committee on Ethics “was unable to substantiate this allegation.”