The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for June 25, 2025
For most states, redistricting is a once-a-decade event, perhaps extended by some litigation. For Ohio and Texas, redistricting may turn into an ongoing partisan battle as both states consider interim redistricting as the midterms approach.
First to Ohio, where a state law requires voting district maps passed WITHOUT bipartisan support to be redrawn after only four years. The 2020 maps ping-ponged between a politician-led redistricting commission, the state supreme court, and the legislature. In 2024, voters unfortunately rejected a citizen-led redistricting commission ballot initiative, after Ohio’s Secretary of State and Ballot Commission disingenuously suggested the ballot measure itself promoted gerrymandering. The Ohio Capital Journal reports that the legislature set a deadline for the end of September, and that pro-voter groups are already preparing alternative fair maps to contrast the likely highly-partisan state-drawn maps.
The Texas Tribune reports that the state’s Republican congressional delegation met June 9th to discuss how to redistrict some of its 38 congressional districts before the midterms to help preserve GOP control of Congress. A 2024 study showed current maps gerrymandered an additional five-seats for Republicans.
June 23rd, Texas Governor Greg Abbott called a special session of the legislature to address six bills he vetoed BUT it did NOT include a request for interim redistricting – for now. The current makeup of Congress is 220 Republicans and 213 Democrats.
We have state reporting linked at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Brennan Center for Justice – (2024) How Gerrymandering Tilts the 2024 Race for the House
American Democracy Minute – Ohio SOS Under Fire Again, This Time for Sabotaging the Ballot Measure Description for a Citizen-Led Redistricting Commission
Ohio Capital Journal – Ohio voters reject Issue 1, leaving politicians in control over map-making process
Ohio Capital Journal – Ohio U.S. Congressional redistricting is on the agenda for 2025, with advocates preparing
Statehouse News Bureau – Once budget is done, Ohio lawmakers will return to Congressional redistricting again
Texas Public Radio – (2024) Gerrymandering gives GOP a five seat advantage in Texas, study says
Texas Tribune – Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midterms
Texas Tribune – Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 bills
Groups Taking Action:
Citizens Not Politicians, Common Cause OH, Fair Maps Texas Action Committee
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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