Ohio got a new set of maps for its state House and Senate districts this week. The state Supreme Court heard arguments for and against a six-week abortion ban, and the state moved forward on a legal change to help those sexually abused by Boy Scout leaders.
We break down what it all means in this week’s episode of Ohio Politics Explained.
A podcast from the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau that catches you up on the state’s political news in 15 minutes or less. This week, host Anna Staver was joined by reporter Laura Bischoff.
Bipartisan maps?
Ohio Republicans and Democrats unanimously agreed late Tuesday on new district maps for the state House and Senate that will last through the 2030 elections.
Republicans will get a 61-38 advantage in the House and a 23-10 advantage in the Senate. That’s more than the partisan breakdown of the state−a reason why the Ohio Supreme Court rejected multiple maps.
“At the end of the day, we are not achieving what I believe the voters of Ohio wanted us to achieve,” House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, said.
She and Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, told reporters they voted for the maps because it was the best possible deal but that lawmakers should be removed from this process.
A group called Citizens not Politicians hopes to convince voters they should replace the seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission with a panel of citizens in 2024.
