Rep. Jarrells expresses concern that gerrymandered GOP maps dilute voting power of Black communities

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) expressed today his concerns that the state legislative maps adopted by Republican Redistricting Commission members on Saturday dilute the voting power of Black communities. For the first time in a long time, the historic King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood, a predominately Black community, would be cut into two different House districts beginning on Mount Vernon Avenue. 

Rep. Jarrells currently represents House District 25, which includes historic neighborhoods of Columbus, Gahanna, Mifflin Township and Blendon Township. In the House map adopted by Republican commissioners on Saturday, Rep. Jarrells would now represent House District 1.

“The gerrymandered House District map adopted by the Republican commissioners on Saturday unjustly cracks apart the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood, thus diluting the voices of the Black and brown voters in that community. Fair maps should not be a partisan issue. We must fight to uphold the will of the people by drawing maps that give all communities the equal representation they deserve,” said Rep. Jarrells.

The maps adopted by the Commission failed to receive any Democratic support. If approved by the Ohio Supreme Court, the maps would only last for four years.