Ohio Republicans and Democrats have reached a compromise on the state’s congressional map following extended negotiations, according to reports. The agreement alters district boundaries ahead of the 2024 elections, with Republicans maintaining their majority advantage while Democrats retain competitive seats.
The revised map sees Democratic Rep. Emilia Sykes shifted into a slightly more favorable northeast Ohio district, though it remains highly contested. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman will face a redder Cincinnati-area district, and Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s northwest Ohio district is projected to become marginally less competitive. Kaptur currently represents a seat that former President Donald Trump won by 7 points in 2020.
The current Ohio congressional delegation consists of 10 Republicans and five Democrats. The two remaining Democratic representatives, Joyce Beatty and Shontel Brown, hold deep blue districts. Republicans still have an opportunity to challenge GOP-held seats represented by Max Miller, Mike Carey, and Mike Turner.
The agreement overturns a prior Republican plan to approve a 13-2 map favoring the party in November. It also prevents a potential ballot initiative to reject the redistricting plan. Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, expressed optimism about the bipartisan outcome, stating conversations had improved over the past week.
The seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission is scheduled to meet on October 30 to finalize the new districts. The map will shape the state’s congressional representation for the next decade.
