Ohio Map Gives Republicans 12–3 Edge

On Oct. 31, 2025, Ohio’s Redistricting Commission unanimously approved a compromise map for 15 congressional districts that gives Republicans a 12–3 advantage, averting a tougher 13–2 plan and a likely referendum. Officials and analysts say the redrawn map could make two Democratic-held seats (Ohio’s 1st and 9th) more competitive and potentially boost Republican chances by about two seats in 2026. The action was compelled by a 2018 state constitutional amendment that requires bipartisan approval or triggers the commission process, and leaders warned a more extreme map would have been vulnerable to referendum. Members of both parties on the commission and the DCCC praised the deal for preventing a more egregious gerrymander even as it favors Republicans. Ohio’s change is part of a broader mid-decade redistricting wave in GOP-led states including Texas, Missouri and North Carolina that analysts say could yield several Republican pickups nationwide, while Democrats pursue countermeasures such as California’s proposed ballot initiative.