Brian
Poindexter
Union ironworker and former Brook Park councilman challenging Rep. Max Miller in Ohio's 7th District
- sources
- 34
- positions
- 11
- endorsements
- 18
Background
Brian Poindexter is the Democratic nominee challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Max Miller in Ohio's 7th Congressional District in the November 2026 election. He grew up in Cleveland and holds an associate degree in Applied Industrial Technology from Cuyahoga Community College, earned while completing his ironworkers apprenticeship. [2, 24]
Poindexter joined Ironworkers Local 17 in 2007, completed his apprenticeship in 2012, worked as a union organizer for two years, returned to field work, and began teaching in the union apprenticeship program in 2021. Before his ironworking career, he held a range of jobs including machinist, factory, restaurant, and moving-company work. 2
He was elected to Brook Park City Council at-large in 2017 and served until resigning effective September 30, 2026, to campaign full-time for Congress. [2, 30] His FEC candidate record lists him as a Democratic Party candidate for Ohio's 7th District. 5
Poindexter was added to the DCCC's "Red to Blue" program in August 2026 and has received national attention as a labor-focused challenger in a competitive race. [25, 3]
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 7, Ohio
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Democratic nominee for U.S. House, Ohio's 7th Congressional District (union ironworker and apprenticeship instructor)
- Website
- poindexterforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Date unknownendorsementPost-primary endorsements from Pete Buttigieg, Ohio AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers, and Reproductive Freedom for All
After the primary, Poindexter received additional support from Pete Buttigieg, the Ohio AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers, and Reproductive Freedom for All.
What you need to know about Max Miller vs. Brian Poindexter - Yahoo · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Date unknownendorsementPoindexter receives endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Working Families Party, and UAW during primary
During the primary phase, Poindexter picked up endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Working Families Party, and United Auto Workers, according to an election guide updated October 11.
What you need to know about Max Miller vs. Brian Poindexter - Yahoo · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Date unknownnewsCook Political Report upgrades OH-7 race to 'Toss Up' after Miller stays in race past August deadline
Cook Political Report changed its rating of Ohio's 7th District from 'Likely Republican' to 'Toss Up' after Miller decided in August to remain in the race. The race had previously been rated 'Solid Republican' before the primaries and 'Likely Republican' in June.
Can Democrats flip Ohio's 7th Congressional District ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 11endorsementCleveland.com editorial board endorses Poindexter for Ohio's 7th Congressional District
Cleveland.com's editorial board endorsed Brian Poindexter for Congress. The editorial described the race as a contest between two candidates with histories of conflicts in their youth and made the case for Poindexter over incumbent Max Miller.
A no-holds-barred contest between two candidates with histories of brawling and substance abuse as young men · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 10filingFEC filings show Poindexter raised $603,000 with $312,000 cash on hand
A report based on FEC filings showed Poindexter had raised $603,000 and had $312,000 cash on hand. By comparison, incumbent Miller had raised $2.14 million and had $1.38 million on hand. These figures should not be conflated with the separately reported, not-yet-public $2.4 million quarterly figure.
Ohio House candidates racing for working-class vote · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8newsProfile of Poindexter published outlining his background and candidacy
A profile published October 8 introduced Poindexter to readers, detailing his background and his campaign for Ohio's 7th Congressional District seat.
Who is Brian Poindexter? Meet the Ohio Democrat taking ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsPoindexter holds campaign rally covered by C-SPAN
C-SPAN covered a campaign rally held by Poindexter as the general election campaign entered its final stretch.
U.S. House Candidate Brian Poindexter (D-OH) Holds Campaign Rally · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsPoindexter releases new ad featuring Sen. Bernie Moreno's criticism of Miller over abuse allegations
Poindexter's campaign released a new advertisement featuring comments by Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno criticizing Miller amid the abuse allegations, escalating the advertising battle.
Brian Poindexter rolls out ad with Bernie Moreno's ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsPoindexter writes guest column in Akron Beacon Journal on workers' rights; pledges no corporate PAC money or stock trading
In a guest column in the Akron Beacon Journal, Poindexter outlined his workers' rights platform, pledged to reject corporate PAC money, and said he would not trade stocks if elected.
Democrat Brian Poindexter pitches workers' rights in Ohio race · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsNew York Times reports Poindexter raised more than $2.4 million in the third quarter
The New York Times reported that Poindexter's campaign raised more than $2.4 million in the last quarter, citing an official, though the figures had not yet been made public. Republicans also resumed tepid support for Miller as the race tightened.
As Race Tightens, Republicans Resume Tepid Support For ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 3newsAffordability reported as central issue in Poindexter–Miller race
Ground News reported that affordability and cost-of-living concerns were central to the Ohio 7th District race between Poindexter and Miller, a contest seen as potentially decisive for House control.
Affordability central to Ohio race that could decide House ... · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2newsCleveland.com publishes interview with Poindexter; Miller declined to participate
Cleveland.com's editorial board published a video interview with Poindexter conducted October 1. Miller did not respond to invitations and did not attend.
Watch our interview with Brian Poindexter, candidate for Congress · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2newsPoindexter resigns from Brook Park City Council to campaign full time for Congress
Poindexter resigned from Brook Park City Council, where he had served since 2018, in order to campaign full time ahead of the November 3 general election.
Ohio 7th District 2026: Poindexter quits council to focus on race with Max Miller · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1newsPoindexter tells Ideastream cost of living is top priority; opposes Iran war and blanket tariffs
In an Ideastream interview, Poindexter said cost of living was his chief priority and that he opposed the Iran war and blanket tariffs, which he argued were raising everyday costs for workers.
Can Democrats flip Ohio's 7th Congressional District ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1debatePoindexter attends Medina Mavens candidate forum; Miller reportedly does not
Ideastream reported that Poindexter attended a candidate forum hosted by the Medina Mavens. The reporting does not establish a scheduled head-to-head debate with Miller.
Can Democrats flip Ohio's 7th Congressional District ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 27newsPoindexter discusses new attack ad on MSNOW, says goal is to 'make sure people have the facts'
Poindexter appeared in a television interview discussing his attack ad against Max Miller, saying he wanted voters to have accurate information about his opponent.
'Make sure people have the facts': OH Dem House candidate on his new attack ad against his opponent · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 27pollRepublican firm poll shows Poindexter at 44%, Miller at 39%, with 16% undecided
A Reuters report citing a Republican firm's poll showed Poindexter leading Miller 44%–39% with 16% undecided. Reuters also noted the race's competitive outlook.
Max Miller scandal could put GOP-held Ohio congressional district in play · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 25newsOH-7 listed among key races as Democrats eye House flip
The Los Angeles Times included Ohio's 7th District, featuring Poindexter vs. Miller, among key races being watched in Democrats' effort to flip the House.
Can Democrats flip the House? Here's the latest in key races · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 22newsPoindexter outlines policy priorities in Daily Kos interview, supports PRO Act and collective bargaining
In a September 22 interview, Poindexter said he would support the PRO Act and stronger collective bargaining rights if elected, and framed his campaign around workers' interests.
House hopeful Brian Poindexter wants to boot Max Miller—and help Ohio · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 14newsNational media profiles Poindexter as a union ironworker challenger in OH-7
Profile pieces published September 14 highlighted Poindexter's background as a union ironworker and his campaign to flip Ohio's 7th District blue.
Meet Brian Poindexter, A Union Ironworker And Girl Dad Working Hard To Flip OH-7 Blue · Sep 14, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 7pollBedrock Polling survey shows Poindexter leading Miller 43%–35%
A Bedrock Polling survey fielded August 7–10 showed Poindexter leading Miller 43%–35%. Methodological details are limited.
Brian Poindexter Polls: Polling Average and Latest Surveys · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 4pollTavern Research poll shows Poindexter leading Miller 54%–46%
A Tavern Research poll fielded August 4–5 showed Poindexter ahead of Miller by 54%–46%. Methodological details are limited.
Brian Poindexter Polls: Polling Average and Latest Surveys · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 29pollEarly poll shows Poindexter leading Miller 44%–39%
A survey fielded July 29–30 and reported by NOTUS showed Poindexter leading Miller 44%–39%. Methodological details are limited.
Brian Poindexter Polls: Polling Average and Latest Surveys · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - May 5filingPoindexter wins eight-candidate Democratic primary with 37% of the vote
Brian Poindexter won the Democratic primary for Ohio's 7th Congressional District with 37% (23,055 votes), earning the right to face Republican incumbent Max Miller in the general election.
Ohio Primary Election Results 2026 · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- United Steelworkers unionCited as an endorser by Poindexter in an April 16 interview; no individual endorsement date given. awf.labortools.com
- U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) officialPoindexter identified Khanna as an endorser in an April 16 interview; endorsement date not specified. awf.labortools.com
- Blue Dog PAC organizationReported as an endorser by the Ohio Capital Journal on August 26; endorsement date not provided. ohiocapitaljournal.com
- Communications Workers of America (CWA) unionCited as an endorser by Poindexter in an April 16 interview; no individual endorsement date given. awf.labortools.com
- International Association of Machinists (IAM) unionCited as an endorser by Poindexter in an April 16 interview; no individual endorsement date given. awf.labortools.com
- Reproductive Freedom for All organizationCandidate page lists Poindexter as endorsed; page published or updated September 4, but announcement date is not clear from the page. reproductivefreedomforall.org
- U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) officialPoindexter identified Deluzio as an endorser in an April 16 interview; endorsement date not specified. awf.labortools.com
- Cyril Kleem, Mayor of Berea officialReported as an endorser in 'early August' by the Ohio Capital Journal; no specific day given. ohiocapitaljournal.com
- Iron Workers International unionCited as an endorser by Poindexter in an April 16 interview; no individual endorsement date given. awf.labortools.com
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) unionCited as an endorser by Poindexter in an April 16 interview; no individual endorsement date given. awf.labortools.com
- The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com editorial board newspaperEndorsed Poindexter in an editorial published October 11. cleveland.com · Oct 11, 2026
- U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) officialSanders lists Poindexter among his endorsed candidates; a report published August 27 describes Sanders as having endorsed Poindexter, but the announcement date is not established by the sources reviewed. berniesanders.com · Aug 27, 2026
- Pete Buttigieg (former U.S. Transportation Secretary) officialEndorsed Poindexter on August 17. thehill.com · Aug 17, 2026
- The Next 50 organizationEndorsed Poindexter on July 6 as one of four Democratic House candidates the organization was backing. politico.com · Jul 6, 2026
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) unionAnnounced endorsement on May 13. afge.org · May 13, 2026
- Working Families Party organizationEndorsed Poindexter on April 20 during the Democratic primary. workingfamilies.org · Apr 20, 2026
- United Auto Workers (UAW) unionPoindexter announced the union's primary endorsement on February 26. x.com · Feb 26, 2026
- Ohio AFL-CIO unionState executive board issued its endorsement on February 13 per a local AFL-CIO council report; listed on the Ohio AFL-CIO's 2026 endorsements page for congressional District 7. ohioaflcio.org · Feb 13, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $603K
- Spent
- $291K
- Cash on hand
- $312K
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6OH07168(opens in a new tab)
Sources 34
- [1] A no-holds-barred contest between two candidates with histories of brawling and substance abuse as young men(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] Ohio Primary Election Results 2026(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [3] Ohio House candidates racing for working-class vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [4] Who is Brian Poindexter? Meet the Ohio Democrat taking ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [5] As Race Tightens, Republicans Resume Tepid Support For ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [6] Brian Poindexter rolls out ad with Bernie Moreno's ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [7] Democrat Brian Poindexter pitches workers' rights in Ohio race(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [8] Endorsements | Bernie Sanders Official Website(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [9] U.S. House Candidate Brian Poindexter (D-OH) Holds Campaign Rally(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [10] 2026 Endorsements — Ohio AFL-CIO(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [11] Brian Poindexter Polls: Polling Average and Latest Surveys(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
- [12] Affordability central to Ohio race that could decide House ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
- [13] Brian Poindexter (D) – OH-07 House 2026 | Smarter.Vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
- [14] Ohio 7th District 2026: Poindexter quits council to focus on race with Max Miller(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [15] Watch our interview with Brian Poindexter, candidate for Congress(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [16] Can Democrats flip Ohio's 7th Congressional District ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [17] What you need to know about Max Miller vs. Brian Poindexter - Yahoo(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [18] 7th district candidates talk tariffs, health care and abortion(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
- [19] 'Make sure people have the facts': OH Dem House candidate on his new attack ad against his opponent(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [20] Max Miller scandal could put GOP-held Ohio congressional district in play(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [21] Can Democrats flip the House? Here's the latest in key races(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [22] House hopeful Brian Poindexter wants to boot Max Miller—and help Ohio(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
- [23] Meet Brian Poindexter, A Union Ironworker And Girl Dad Working Hard To Flip OH-7 Blue(opens in a new tab) Sep 14, 2026
- [24] Brian Poindexter for Congress | Ready to Work for Working ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 10, 2026
- [25] Brian Poindexter is endorsed by Reproductive ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 4, 2026
- [26] As Brian Poindexter surges against Miller in Ohio, his Israel ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 31, 2026
- [27] In an Ohio congressional race with national scrutiny, Brian Poindexter wants to win on his own terms(opens in a new tab) Aug 26, 2026
- [28] Buttigieg endorses Poindexter in House race against Miller(opens in a new tab) Aug 17, 2026
- [29] Copy of 070626_Endorsement Rls(opens in a new tab) Aug 10, 2026
- [30] Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Ohio's Brian ...(opens in a new tab) May 13, 2026
- [31] WFP Endorses Brian Poindexter in OH-07 - Working Families Party(opens in a new tab) Apr 20, 2026
- [32] From City Hall To Congress...(opens in a new tab) Apr 16, 2026
- [33] Keep an eye on Brian Poindexter (Oh-7)(opens in a new tab) Feb 26, 2026
- [34] From Brook Park City Hall to Capitol Hill: Brian Poindexter outlines vision for congressional race(opens in a new tab) Jan 27, 2026