Democrats on Ohio Redistricting Commission Continue to Call for Fair Maps, Republicans Continue to Run Out the Clock

Today, Co-Chair of the Ohio Redistricting Commission and Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) released the following statement after Republicans failed to present a congressional map proposal at the first meeting of the Ohio Redistricting Commission. 

“For four years, we’ve all known this day was coming. We have a constitutional duty at this moment to make our best faith effort to work together and pass a congressional proposal by no later than October 31 – 10 days from now,” said Co-Chair of the Ohio Redistricting Commission Leader Nickie J. Antonio. “Delay after seemingly disingenuous delay, we’re watching the clock run out just as it has in the past. Ohioans have sent us all a clear, unmistakable message that we need to serve them better. I hope we can all heed that call, do our constitutional duty, and work together before the end of the month.”

The Ohio Constitution requires the Commission to pass a bipartisan map by the end of October. With 10 days left, Republicans have continued to attempt to run out the clock and failed to introduce a map proposal.

The Constitution also requires the Commission to set rules by a bipartisan vote, which they failed to do. Co-Chair Antonio proposed using the same rules that the Commission used in 2021, but Republicans did not allow a vote on those rules. 

“The stakes are really high right now. Ohio has the potential to determine whether our Congress bows to the whims of an authoritarian president, or keeps tyrants in check, and provides the checks and balances that Ohioans expect and deserve. I’m heartened to see news accounts that folks outside of this Commission and the legislature are currently preparing for the possibility of a referendum if the legislature should make the regrettable mistake of putting politics ahead of the people’s interests.”