COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens sharply criticized a congressional map proposed by democrats as a partisan gerrymander, setting the stage for a contentious redistricting battle ahead of a September 29th deadline. The dispute centers on House Bill 442, the legislation containing the Democratic map, and its delayed consideration in the House.
A bipartisan committee has been formed to attempt to reach a consensus on new congressional district lines. The committee, appointed by Stephens, includes Senators Jane Timken (R-Jackson township), Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), Senate minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), and Willis E. Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton). Senators Bird and Timken will co-chair the committee.
The committeeS first meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 22nd, just one week before the deadline for a map approved by a three-fifths majority of the legislature, requiring support from at least half of all Democrats.
Senator Huffman, a vocal critic of the Democratic proposal, expressed skepticism about achieving a bipartisan agreement before the committee holds hearings. Democrats had hoped for immediate public hearings on House Bill 442, but this did not occur.Huffman claimed the legislation was submitted late, a claim disputed by Representative Allison Russo (D-Columbus), who stated, ”House Bill 442, which we introduced, which was the map that the Democratic Caucus submitted, was submitted on time on Monday.”
The stakes are high. Failure to reach a bipartisan agreement by the end of September will transfer map-making authority to the Ohio Redistricting Commission, controlled by Republicans. If the commission fails to produce a bipartisan map by October 31st, the legislature will have a final opportunity to approve a map with a simple majority, but that map would only last four years. Ohio is currently undergoing redistricting as a 2020 attempt failed to secure bipartisan support.The situation in Ohio mirrors a national trend,with former President Trump recently urging Texas to redraw its maps for Republican advantage. However, Huffman emphasized that Ohio’s state constitution dictates the redistricting process, regardless of external pressures. “I think any president of the United States…would rather have more members of their own party in Congress,” Huffman said, “But there are so many specifics to this and constitutional mandates. That’s really what’s going to guide us here.”
