A Jim Graham files to run against Ryan for Congress

WARREN — Jim Graham is running for the 17th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan.

No, not that Jim Graham.

Though the two Jim Grahams are first cousins.

Jim Graham, a pharmacist from Cortland, filed nominating petitions for the Republican primary for the 17th District seat. He will face M.E. “Bing” Henderson of Tallmadge in the May 4 GOP primary.

“I tried to talk him out of” running, said the other Jim Graham, president of the United Auto Workers Local 1112 at the Lordstown General Motors complex, about his cousin. “I told him not to waste too much money. He can’t win.”

The UAW Graham is a longtime supporter of Ryan, a Niles Democrat, and said he and the UAW are strongly supporting the incumbent.

When asked if having the name Jim Graham on the ballot could cause voter confusion, the UAW official said, “I would hope not. It is not that Jim Graham.”

The other Jim Graham couldn’t be reached to comment.

Ryan will face ex-Girard Councilman Dan Moadus in the Democratic primary.

The deadline to file for the primary is 4 p.m. today.