Ohio Approves New Congressional Map

Unlike other states that have held special sessions for redistricting, Ohio was legally required to adopt a new map. The state’s constitution mandates a redraw because the 2021 map lacked bipartisan backing, making it valid for only four years instead of the usual ten.

Republicans could have pushed through a more aggressive map via the state Legislature, where they hold a supermajority. However, passing a bipartisan plan through the seven-member redistricting commission offers an advantage by insulating the GOP from legal challenges ahead of the 2026 race.

Ohio’s move comes amid a broader nationwide battle over redistricting, as both parties try to lock in favorable maps ahead of the next election cycle. Trump has urged Republican-controlled states to act, and Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have already approved new maps expected to net the GOP up to seven additional seats.

In California, voters will decide in November whether to transfer mapmaking authority from the state’s independent commission to the Legislature. If approved, the move could add up to five Democratic seats, shrinking the state’s already small Republican delegation to just four of 52. Virginia Democrats are also seeking to redraw maps to gain up to three additional seats.