Mary Jo Kilroy, daughter of Irish immigrant parents and sister of former Irish Northern Aid national spokesperson Jack Kilroy, was finally elected to Congress from Ohio's 15th Congressional District in the central part of the state.

In the process she captured a seat that has been held by Republicans for over 40 years.

Gilroy looked like she had lost when she was behind in the completed count, but pulled ahead when the provisional or contested ballots were counted.

Kilroy is a former county commissioner who has close ties to Irish organizations. A fundraiser was held for her in New York at O'Neill's bar and restaurant, and she received significant support from Irish American groups.