The Ohio Redistricting Commission has approved a new congressional map that could potentially give Republicans two additional House seats.

Ohio Democrats and Republicans unanimously approved the new congressional districts in a vote on Friday.

Reports of the compromise struck between Ohio Republicans and Democrats first developed on Thursday.

Republicans And Democrats Reportedly Strike Deal On New Congressional Map In Pro-Trump State

The Hill has more:

The new map could make it more difficult for Democratic Reps. Greg Landsman and Marcy Kaptur to win reelection in Ohio. Kaptur narrowly won reelection in 2024 when she was a top GOP target, retaking her seat by less than a percentage point.

Ohio Democrats went along with the map, according to The Columbus Dispatch, because its new lines would likely spare Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio), who represents a seat in Akron, while keeping a separate seat in Cincinnati competitive.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said the map could leave Republicans with a 12-3 advantage, arguing the party should be happy with the result.

“For Republicans who might not like this [outcome], I would simply say that this very well could be a 12-3 map. Those are pretty darn good numbers,” DeWine told reporters, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Republicans hold 10 of the 15 congressional seats in Ohio, according to The Associated Press.

"Gerrymandering diminishes our state’s stature even as population stagnates. Ohio voters have consistently called for fair representation and transparency. While Democrats on the Redistricting Commission proposed a fair map at the outset of this process, in one party rule Columbus, self-interested politicians cut side deals to pave their own future," Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) said.

"I remain committed to serving Northwest Ohio and will seek re-election with a renewed focus on accountability and protecting the voice of the people. Our democracy works best when voters choose their leaders, not when politicians choose their voters. Let the Columbus politicians make their self-serving maps and play musical chairs, I will fight on for the people and ask the voters for their support next year," she continued.

The Center Square noted:

The commission says nine new districts lean toward Republicans, two lean toward Democrats and four are within a 45%-55% margin.

If the commission had failed to pass maps with constitutionally mandated support from Democrats, the General Assembly would have had the chance to pass new districts with a simple majority and without Democratic approval.

That could have changed Ohio’s congressional makeup of 10 Republicans and five Democrats to a 13-2 GOP majority, despite constitutional requirements that say no plan can favor or disfavor one political party and districts must resemble voting percentages from the last 10 years in statewide and federal elections.

In the last 10 years, Ohioans have voted 54% for Republicans in federal elections. Based on the state constitution, congressional districts should be split 8-7 in favor of the GOP.

ADVERTISEMENT
 

Join The Conversation. Leave a Comment.