[2][3] In 2002, Damschroder unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Congressman Paul Gillmor in the 5th congressional district Republican primary.
[5] In the general election, Democrats placed high hopes on Seneca County, Ohio Commissioner Ben Nutter, but Damschroder defeated him with 55.31% of the vote.
[7] He is serving on the committees of Agriculture and Natural Resources, State Government and Elections, and Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security (as vice chair).
[12] His wife, Rhonda, ran as a placeholder candidate in the Republican primary, facing opposition from Bill Reineke, Jr., a local businessman, and Dr. Richard A. Geyer, a university professor and Ballville Township trustee.
If Rhonda won the primary election, Justin Smith, Chairman of the Sandusky County Central Committee, and David Koehl, Chairman of the Seneca County Central Committee, along with their two secretaries, would appoint Rex to replace his wife as the Republican candidate in the general election.
[16] Damschroder is currently working to prevent high voltage power lines from being erected through a nature preserve known as Peninsular Farms in Fremont, Ohio.