Manhunt underway as congresswoman hospitalized in hit-and-run crash on her way to church

Longtime Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur was hospitalized Sunday after the car she was riding in was struck in a hit-and-run crash on her way to a church service in Toledo, according to reports.

Kaptur, 80, was a passenger when the vehicle was hit shortly before 11 a.m., according to the Toledo Police Department. She and her campaign manager, 26-year-old Kegan Zimmermann, were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and both were listed in stable condition.

"She is active, alert, and being treated for non-life threatening injuries," her office said in a statement, adding that she "looks forward to returning to a full schedule soon."

Police described the wreck as a "hit-skip" and said the at-fault driver ran from the scene. A witness told WTOL 11 that the driver was picked up by another vehicle and fled shortly after the crash. By Sunday evening, investigators said they had made "significant" progress identifying the person responsible, and Police Chief Mike Troendle said the department was committed to holding them accountable.

Kaptur, who has represented Ohio's 9th District since 1983, is the longest-serving woman in congressional history and the first woman to lead House Appropriations' energy and water subcommittee as ranking member. The crash drew bipartisan well-wishes, including from Ohio Republican Rep. Dave Taylor and Washington Democrat Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who said she hoped the person responsible is found quickly.

The incident lands in the middle of a bruising reelection fight. Kaptur is among the most vulnerable House Democrats on the 2026 map, defending a district redrawn to favor Republicans in a contest rated a toss-up. She faces a rematch against Trump-endorsed Republican Derek Merrin, who lost to her in 2024 by fewer than 2,400 votes.