The Ohio House and Ohio Senate must redraw the state's 15 congressional districts after the supreme court ruled the previous map unconstitutionally gerrymandered in favor of Republicans just under two weeks ago. Senate President Matt Huffman said the legislature will potentially start taking action on a new Congressional map the week of February 7.
The previous map created 12 out of 15 districts that heavily favor or lean in favor of Republicans in a state that has voted about 54% Republican and 46% Democratic, according to an average of statewide race results over the last 10 years.
While the legislature has first crack at approving a new plan, they have a new hurdle to deal with.
Huffman said this time around the legislature will have to pass a new Congressional map with two-thirds of the vote in order for it to go into effect before the primary, which means getting Democratic support.
"Hopefully we can get a resolution where, you know, again, the issue is largely in the house where they could get a two-thirds vote on emergency clause with that bill," said Huffman.
If not, the process goes back to the Ohio Redistricting Commission where Republicans can pass a four-year map without Democratic approval.
Republicans will be at a fundraiser in Florida next week, but Huffman doesn't think that'll conflict with redrawing the maps and said he will cancel the trip if he needs to.
The Senate created a placeholder bill, SB286, to begin working on the new map.
The previous map created 12 out of 15 districts that heavily favor or lean in favor of Republicans in a state that has voted about 54% Republican and 46% Democratic, according to an average of statewide race results over the last 10 years.
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