Ohio Redistricting Commission Approves Controversial New Map

The Ohio Redistricting Commission has unanimously approved a new congressional map that is projected to provide Republicans a significant advantage in the upcoming elections. This bipartisan plan, finalized on October 6, 2023, is designed to remain in effect for six years and will reshape Ohio’s congressional districts, giving the Republican Party a favorable edge in 12 of the 15 districts.

The decision came after a last-minute agreement between Republican and Democratic legislative leaders aimed at preventing a more partisan map from being drawn next month. Such a scenario would have likely led to an attempt by Democrats to launch a repeal referendum on the 2026 ballot, a move that both parties were keen to avoid.

Details of the New District Map

During a commission meeting on Thursday, the proposed map was unveiled and subsequently received formal approval after approximately one hour of public testimony. One of the most notable changes includes the congressional seat of Democratic U.S. Representative Greg Landsman in the Cincinnati area, which has shifted from a Democratic-leaning district to one that favors Republican candidates. The new configuration will extend from the Indiana border through downtown Cincinnati and northward to incorporate conservative-leaning Warren and Clinton counties.

Democrats argue that this district, which they label a true tossup, is increasingly trending Republican. Critics, such as Alex Linser, chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, contend that the redistricting effectively disenfranchises voters in the Democratic-friendly Hamilton County by splitting it into two districts that lean Republican.

Moreover, the map adjustment also affects U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur of Toledo. Her district, previously a battleground, will become slightly more favorable for Republican candidates. This change is notable as Kaptur narrowly secured her 22nd term last year, despite representing a district that supported Republican President Donald Trump in the last election. The new map will now include Henry County, the home of Senate President Rob McColley, who was instrumental in negotiating the redistricting deal.

Future Political Implications

In contrast to the trend of shifting districts, Democratic U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes of Akron stands to benefit from the new map, with her tossup district transforming into one that leans more Democratic.

Democratic leaders have expressed concerns about their ability to counteract the new map, contemplating a statewide voter referendum to challenge any maps that Republicans may propose in November. Yet, there are apprehensions regarding the feasibility of such an initiative, as it would require gathering nearly 250,000 valid signatures within a 90-day timeframe during the winter months. Furthermore, the process is influenced by Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a noted supporter of Trump, complicating the referendum efforts.

The implications of redistricting are significant, as providing one party with a structural advantage does not guarantee electoral success. For instance, in 2021, a Republican-drawn map ostensibly favored their party in 13 of 15 districts, yet Kaptur, Landsman, and Sykes have successfully contested and maintained three of those seats.

While the approval of this new redistricting plan is expected to face criticism from various activists and political officials, the absence of any significant backlash from Trump highlights the complexities of the political landscape in Ohio. Observers note that his encouragement of more aggressive gerrymandering in several states underscores a strategic push to solidify Republican control heading into the crucial 2026 elections.