Ohio Democrats Fight for Fair, Constitutional Maps Absent Republican Proposal, Delays in Redistricting Process

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin), alongside the House Democratic members on the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting Monday advocated for a hearing on House Bill (HB) 442. Monday’s first public hearing did not include a Republican proposed map. Democrats will continue to hold Republicans accountable for their attempt to tip the scales of democracy with extreme partisan gerrymandering, at the request of President Donald Trump.

“The redistricting process is supposed to be fair, open, and collaborative. Ohioans deserve to know exactly what maps are being considered by the General Assembly at every step of the process. My Democratic colleagues have presented the maps they are considering, but Republicans have refused to operate with that same transparency. They have yet to reveal any maps they are considering and only gave a few days' notice for a public hearing on the redistricting process,” said Rep. Somani. “Ohioans deserve fair maps. It is both constitutionally required and the right thing to do. My colleagues and I will continue to fight the extreme partisan gerrymandering that has overtaken our state.”

In accordance with Art. XIX, Sec. 1(G) of the Ohio Constitution, the committee is mandated to meet again for public hearings. Monday’s Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting hearing can be viewed in its entirety here.