On October 31, 2023, Ohio Senator Nickie J. Antonio cast a pivotal vote in support of a new bipartisan redistricting proposal. Despite acknowledging the inadequacies of the map, Antonio emphasized that the decision was a strategic response to a challenging political landscape. She stated that the newly drawn congressional map, while not ideal, offers a viable path to securing five Democratic congressional seats in Ohio.
Antonio criticized her Republican colleagues for lacking transparency and failing to adhere to the principles of the Ohio Constitution during the redistricting process. She expressed disappointment at the current system, which she believes has been “misused, abused, and exploited.” The proposal ultimately secured a map similar to the existing 12-3 structure, where Democrats hold two Republican-leaning districts and three Democratic-leaning districts, while Republicans dominate with ten districts favoring their party.
The Republican-led proposal that had been anticipated would have severely limited Democratic representation, effectively ensuring that Democrats could not secure more than two seats. Antonio’s vote, she noted, was not a capitulation but rather a tactical decision aimed at achieving the best possible outcome under difficult circumstances.
Antonio acknowledged the frustration felt by constituents who had hoped for a fairer map following the 2018 redistricting reform, which aimed to end gerrymandering. She pointed out that the current proposal reflects a compromise rather than an outright victory for either party. “We all believed Ohio’s 2018 redistricting reform would end gerrymandering. Instead, we were tricked,” she stated.
In her remarks, Antonio addressed critics who argued that she should have allowed a more detrimental map to pass, which could have led to a judicial challenge or a public referendum. She countered that such options were fraught with uncertainty and could have resulted in worse outcomes for Ohioans. “I voted for the best outcome of a worst-case scenario because I could see the path to securing five Democratic seats,” she explained.
Antonio remains committed to advocating for a more equitable redistricting process in the future. She envisions a system where citizens, not politicians, are responsible for drawing district lines. She pledged to work toward creating an independent redistricting commission, which would allow for greater public involvement in the drawing of congressional maps.
“This settling of the map for the next six years gives us time to plan and come up with the next best proposal for an independent redistricting commission,” Antonio stated. She called for statewide and national support for a future referendum that prioritizes the interests of the populace over political agendas.
As Ohio prepares for the upcoming congressional elections, Antonio expressed her determination to fight alongside her constituents in securing fair representation. “I commit to being not only a willing partner but an active advocate for a potential ballot initiative to make this critical change,” she affirmed.
Antonio serves as the Democratic Leader in the Ohio Senate and represents the 23rd Senate District, which includes significant portions of Cleveland and surrounding areas such as Lakewood, Bay Village, and Fairview Park. Her ongoing commitment to transparency and fairness in the redistricting process underscores her dedication to upholding democratic values in Ohio.
