Ohio’s Redistricting Commission is, again, gearing up to redraw the state’s congressional map — ahead of the 2026 elections; and meant to stand for the next three elections. Voters already voiced their preference against one proposed redistricting reform measure last year. Gov. Mike DeWine’s idea for a different model has also been ignored.

And so we are back where we started — recall that the redistricting commission essentially refused to do its job last time it was asked, caring little for the obviousness of their intent. First, of course, the Republican supermajority in the Ohio Legislature will get a chance to draw new maps. But the Republicans also hold five of the seven seats on the redistricting commission and six of the seven seats on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Few are even pretending the new districts won’t intentionally be drawn in a way that benefits one political party, despite voters’ clear directive against gerrymandering back in 2018.

Are there enough lawmakers willing to ignore those “external expectations” from Washington, D.C.? Are there enough willing to fulfill their responsibility to draw fair and accurate district maps in service to their constituents, rather than to serve themselves and whoever they are trying to impress in The Swamp?

It is truly a shame that, at least before the process gets underway, the answer seems to be “no.”