TOLEDO, Ohio — This week on "Leading Edge," host Jeff Smith welcomed Alea Nadeem, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and candidate for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District.

As one of three Republicans vying to unseat long-time Representative Marcy Kaptur, Nadeem shared her journey from a Toledo upbringing in a union family to a decorated military career that included surviving childhood captivity in Iraq, service under the Pentagon, and national security work in Washington.

Nadeem reflected on her rescue by the FBI, her inspirational service response after 9/11, and her determination to restore what she calls heartland values to Congress.

Nadeem stressed that the 2026 race offers a rare opportunity to flip the district, emphasizing her independent-minded conservatism and leadership goa

See Full Page