Here is where things are with the redistricting process:
– First meeting of the appointed commission — two Democrats and seven Republicans including Gov. DeWine — met yesterday, Oct. 21, as the constitutionally mandated Oct. 31 deadline approaches. The group met for about 30 minutes before adjourning, and despite having introduced no map proposal, co-chair Rep. Brian Stewart said, “I think the ball is kind of in the Democrats’ Court to decide what deal they are or are not willing to take.” Read more here.
– The only map proposals have been introduced by the Democratic leaders. They would create a congressional delegation of eight Republican-leaning districts and seven Democratic-leaning districts.
– Republican leaders (including Rep. Adam Bird) have argued that the first two constitutionally mandated deadlines of Sept. 30 and Oct. 31 are not as important as the Nov. 30 deadline, where the General Assembly would only need a simple majority of votes for a map to be approved. Their reasoning for not meeting sooner is that they want to hear from citizens first.
– The map the General Assembly approves will directly impact the 2026 congressional races.
