Ohio has approved a new congressional map in a rare bipartisan move, potentially giving Republicans a stronger foothold and boosting their chances of keeping control of the U.S. House in next year’s elections.
Bipartisan Redistricting Deal
The Ohio Redistricting Commission reached a last-minute agreement that expands Republican-leaning districts from 10 to 12 out of 15, with a map designed to help the GOP gain two additional seats—short of the three originally sought, but still significant for the party’s national prospects. The deal was made to avoid a state referendum that could have blocked attempts at extreme gerrymandering, and both parties have faced criticism from advocates for the secretive negotiations.
Impact of Trump’s Pressure
The decision follows former President Trump’s push for GOP-led states to redraw district lines and increase their House majority. The new Ohio map joins a wave of Republican-backed changes in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina, while Democrats fight back with new proposals in California and efforts in Virginia. The stakes are high, with Democrats needing only three seats to reclaim the House and counter Trump’s agenda.
Competitive Districts, Ongoing Challenges
While the new map makes two Democratic-held districts more vulnerable for 2026, it does leave one competitive district—Ohio’s 13th—potentially up for grabs. Some national Democratic leaders praised the deal for staving off worse outcomes, but local anti-gerrymandering activists remain vocal, with calls for fairness and transparency persisting as the new lines reshape the battleground for the next election.