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

COLUMBUS - The House Democratic members on the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting today 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.

"We are seeing what happens when politicians are able to pick their voters, instead of the other way around. We see cuts that close hospitals in our rural communities, cuts that drive healthcare premiums up by hundreds of dollars for families who can't afford it, and cuts that leave our children hungry in school lunchrooms. Those are the costs of a government that doesn't represent its people," said Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati).

Leader Isaacsohn delivered testimony on House Bill (HB) 442, House Democrats' previously introduced fair and constitutional congressional map.

"This map is fair and constitutional because it keeps communities together, minimizes splitting of counties and cities, increases compactness compared to the current map, and recognizes federal and state requirements for equal population and protection of minority voting rights," said Leader Isaacsohn in his prepared testimony.

"Gerrymandering hinders the basic democratic functions of accountability and representation. We want to work across the aisle and with members of this committee to develop a map that meets our constitutional requirements, represents Ohioans as best as possible, and that everyone can support. I am proud to offer the map in HB 442 alongside Minority Leader Antonio as a starting point. I look forward to eventually seeing what the majority suggests to meet this standard."

Assistant Minority Whip Desiree Tims (D-Dayton) serves as members of the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting.

"I'm grateful to all the Ohioans who today made their voices heard. That's exactly what democracy looks like. But, let's not be fooled. Monday's hearing was nothing but political theater orchestrated by Republicans who are fully determined on doing President Trump's bidding to steal more congressional seats. Democrats will continue to fight this injustice as will the people. Without accountability, power-hungry politicians create extreme policies that do not reflect what voters want or need. The people deserve transparency, and they deserve full hearings on the map we proposed. We will never stop fighting for them," said Rep. Tims.

Rep. Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted) attended Monday's hearing to help explain the constitutionality of HB 442.

"Our map was drawn to bring communities together, increase compactness, and follow the Constitution. Ohio deserves maps where voters choose their representatives, not the other way around," said Rep. Glassburn.

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.