State Sen. John Boccieri (D) is airing his first campaign advertisement this cycle — a 30-second biographical spot that focuses on his service record. Boccieri and fellow state Sen. Kirk Schuring (R) are running to replace Rep. Ralph Regula (R), who is retiring after serving 18 terms in the House.

“Fighting for America is nothing new to John Boccieri,” an announcer says. “As a decorated war veteran, John Boccieri fought to keep America strong. In the state Senate, he fought for middle-class families and opposed an increase in the gas tax. In Congress, John Boccieri will make it his job to fight for your job and put an end to trade policies that ship our jobs overseas. John Boccieri. Fighting for Ohio families.”

Though the district has voted Republican in recent cycles, early polling gives Boccieri an edge in the race. A SurveyUSA poll commissioned by Roll Call gave Boccieri a lead over Schuring, 49 percent to 41 percent among 635 likely voters questioned Sept. 19-21.