Louis G. Lyras, who finished a distant second in the Republican primary for the 13th Congressional District nomination to Christina Hagan, is endorsing U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, the Democratic incumbent, in the general election.

“When I study each candidate, I want one who’s middle of the road and not one who votes lockstep with (President Donald) Trump,” Lyras of Campbell said. “I want someone who thinks about the Valley and not about party. I don’t like being partisan. Even though I oppose Tim, he’s the better candidate over Christina Hagan. She’s too extreme.”

Hagan dominated the seven-candidate Republican primary for the congressional seat, capturing 65.77 percent of the vote. Lyras finished second garnering 11.85 percent of the vote.

Also, the Ohio Freedom Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based outside special interest group, spent $97,500 during the primary to specifically support Hagan and criticize Lyras.

Hagan said: “It’s not unique that people who lose hold grudges” and “it’s clear he doesn’t share our party’s values.”

When asked if he’s backing Ryan because he’s bitter about the primary results and the dark money used against him, Lyras said: “That’s true too. I can accept that. But this is bigger than Democrat or Republican. Tim votes across party lines and she does not.”

Ryan, D-Howland, said: “I appreciate the endorsement from Lou Lyras. Lou Lyras is a Republican who knows my record on jobs, my commitment to the environment and that I am bipartisan and willing to work with anyone if it helps the people in the Mahoning Valley and our district. Lou Lyras also knows my opponent and how dangerous her extreme views are for working people and families.”

Lyras’ voting record dating back to 2006 shows he voted in partisan primaries three times: as a Democratic in 2016 and 2018 and as a Republican in the most recent primary.

Lyras said another issue is Hagan of Marlboro Township doesn’t live in the district. Congressional candidates don’t have to live in their districts, only in the state. Hagan lives about a mile from the 13th District.

Lyras also said he plans to run for the congressional seat again in 2022, but declined to say if he’d do so as a Republican or an independent. He attempted to run for the position in 2018 as an independent, but wasn’t certified to the ballot.