Madison Sheahan Bio: From ICE Deputy Director to Congress Run

From the Front Lines of ICE to the Race for Ohio: The Unstoppable Rise of Madison Sheahan

Just twenty-four hours ago, Madison Sheahan was one of the most powerful women in federal law enforcement. As the Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), she helped manage a budget larger than the GDP of some small nations and oversaw the day-to-day operations of over 20,000 employees. Then, on January 15, 2026, she walked away from it all.

Sheahan hasn’t just resigned; she has declared war on the political status quo. Launching a high-stakes bid for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, she is taking on Rep. Marcy Kaptur—the longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. At just 28 years old, Sheahan is no stranger to “shaking the table,” moving from the rowing docks of Ohio State to the inner circles of the Trump administration in record time.

Who is Madison Sheahan?

Born on February 9, 1997, in Curtice, Ohio, Madison Dean Sheahan grew up on her family’s horse farm. Her early life was defined by the grit of rural Ohio and the discipline of competitive athletics. Long before she was making headlines in Washington D.C., she was a standout student-athlete at Genoa Area High School, where she balanced soccer, basketball, and track.

Her roots in the community run deep. Her parents, Laura and Roger Sheahan, raised her in a household that valued hard work and public service. This foundation led her to The Ohio State University, where she didn’t just attend classes—she dominated the water as a member of the varsity women’s rowing team, helping the Buckeyes secure two Big Ten Championship titles.

The “Lead Like a Buckeye” Philosophy

At Ohio State, Sheahan’s leadership wasn’t limited to the rowing shell. She helped develop a program called “Lead Like a Buckeye,” aimed at instilling leadership values in college athletes.

She graduated in 2019 with a degree in public affairs and agri-business. While some peers were looking for entry-level internships, Sheahan was already eyeing the halls of power, fueled by a mentorship with legendary coach Urban Meyer and an early stint as a Vice President for the Ohio FFA (Future Farmers of America).

A Rapid Rise: From South Dakota to Louisiana

The velocity of Sheahan’s career is almost unprecedented in modern politics. Her journey to the top of ICE began in the Midwest and South:

• South Dakota Sentinel: Sheahan became a trusted ally of Governor Kristi Noem, serving as her Political Director. By January 2023, she was the Executive Director of the South Dakota Republican Party.

• Louisiana’s Wildlife Warrior: In January 2024, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry tapped her to lead the state’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. At 26, she managed 800 employees and a $280 million budget.

• The Federal Leap: By March 2025, her mentor Kristi Noem—now the Secretary of Homeland Security—called her to Washington. Sheahan was appointed Deputy Director of ICE, becoming the agency’s second-in-command during one of the most intense immigration crackdowns in U.S. history.

The Resignation That Rocked D.C.

On January 15, 2026, Sheahan sent an internal email to ICE staff, calling her service the “honor of my life.” Her departure comes at a turbulent time for the agency, which has faced national protests following recent officer-involved incidents.

However, Sheahan’s exit wasn’t a retreat; it was a pivot. In her campaign announcement, she took a direct shot at the “swamp” in Washington, positioning herself as a “Trump conservative” who is tired of seeing her neighbors in Northwest Ohio ignored by career politicians.

“For too long, Northwest Ohio has been represented by a career politician who has grown comfortable with the swamp… I am running because President Trump deserves a Congress that stands firmly behind his agenda.” — Madison Sheahan

The Face-Off: Sheahan vs. Kaptur

The 2026 race for Ohio’s 9th District is shaping up to be a generational clash.

• The Incumbent: Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat who has held the seat since 1983.

• The Challenger: Madison Sheahan, a 28-year-old Republican who wasn’t even born when Kaptur was in her seventh term.

Sheahan is leaning heavily on her ICE record, boasting that 2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the country during her tenure. Meanwhile, the Kaptur campaign has dismissed the challenge as part of a “messy primary” in a gerrymandered district, focusing instead on Kaptur’s long history of delivering local results.

Key Facts and Career Milestones

Personal Life and Faith

While Sheahan is a public figure, she keeps her private life relatively guarded. She is known to be close with her brother, Dakota, and remains active in the agricultural community where she was raised. Though she has not spoken extensively on her specific religious denomination in press releases, she frequently highlights “American values” and “faith and family” as the pillars of her campaign.

Does she have children? Currently, there are no public records indicating that Madison Sheahan is married or has children. Her focus over the last five years has been an intense, seven-days-a-week commitment to state and federal governance.

Qualifications and the “Experience” Debate

Critics have often pointed to Sheahan’s age and her lack of a traditional law enforcement background. When she was appointed to ICE, some career officials questioned if a 27-year-old with a background in wildlife management and political strategy was ready for the No. 2 spot at a federal agency.

However, supporters point to her results. She managed a hiring blitz that added 12,000 officers to ICE within 180 days—a feat of logistics and management that even her detractors find hard to ignore.

The Future: What’s Next for Sheahan?

Madison Sheahan is now entering a crowded Republican primary. She faces established local figures like State Rep. Derek Merrin and Alea Nadeem. To win, she will need to prove to Ohioans that she isn’t just a “Washington import” sent by Noem and Trump, but a local daughter who understands the struggles of the Rust Belt.

Predicting the 2026 Race:

If Sheahan can secure the “Trump endorsement” officially, she becomes the immediate frontrunner in the primary. Her ability to raise national funds—thanks to her DHS connections—will likely dwarf the spending of her primary opponents. The real test will be the general election: Can a Gen-Z conservative unseat a 40-year institution like Marcy Kaptur?

What do you think? Does Madison Sheahan’s youth make her the perfect “disruptor,” or is Rep. Kaptur’s 40-year experience exactly what Ohio needs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources:

1. Official ICE Biography of Madison Sheahan

2. Fox News Digital – “ICE Deputy Director Resigns to Run for Congress”

3. The Toledo Blade – “Northwest Ohio native takes on position with ICE”

4. Wikipedia – “Madison Sheahan Profile”

5. Ohio State Athletics – “Rowing Roster: Madison Sheahan”

6. DHS Press Release – “Secretary Noem Announces New Deputy Director”