The Ohio Redistricting Commission unanimously passed a congressional map last Friday, only one day after it was introduced publicly. The map gives Republicans the advantage in 12 of the 15 districts in the state, compared with the current map’s 10/15 advantage ratio. This map will stay in place until 2031.
Congressman Greg Landsman’s 1st district will be significantly impacted by this new map, as it will lean Republican with a 54% to 47% breakdown. Read more about this map’s implications.
There are a few schools of thought on how we find ourselves in this situation. History tells us that putting politicians in charge of the redistricting process does not produce a fair (or legal) outcome. And until we have a Secretary of State committed to facilitating an independent commission, the deal making will continue.
Why did Minority Leaders Nickie Antonio (Senate) and Dani Isaachson (House) choose to approve the Republican map last week?
School of thought #1: Democrats had no choice. By approving this map they are preserving districts they think Democratic candidates can still win. If they had not made that choice, the map could have been even more egregious. Read and watch their explanations here.
School of thought #2: Democrats should have held out, not approved the map, and allowed the process to move back to the General Assembly, where an even worse map could pass with a simple majority. With this scenario, it could have been possible to gather signatures for a referendum, as well as bring a lawsuit. See some of the comments from people who hold this view.
What do you think? Email us and share your opinion; you might see it in the next newsletter.
