State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) co-chaired the first meeting of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which was convened by Governor Mike DeWine as required by the state constitution. This meeting marks the start of the second phase in Ohio’s congressional redistricting process.
The commission includes Co-Chair and Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, State Auditor Keith Faber, Senator Jane Timken, and House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn. Stewart is the only appointee representing the House Majority Caucus.
“I want to thank Speaker Huffman, and my House colleagues, for the opportunity to serve on this Commission,” said Rep. Stewart. “Having a role to play in decisions as important as congressional redistricting is part of what makes public service incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a real honor.”
After the ceremonial swearing-in of the commission members, Stewart opened the meeting before yielding to Co-Chair Antonio for her remarks. The commission then heard testimony on two companion bills, H.B. 442, sponsored by Minority Leader Isaacsohn, and S.B. 259, sponsored by Minority Leader Antonio. These bills were previously presented to the Joint Committee in September.
“I believe that the adoption of a plan by this Commission is certainly possible, and this process will determine whether or not it becomes probable,” said Rep. Stewart at the beginning of the meeting. “Either way, I want the public, our colleagues in state government, and our colleagues in Congress, to know that we enter this process with open minds, and a willingness to try to find common ground.”
Details about the next meeting have not yet been announced.
