COLUMBUS, OH — State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) co-chaired the inaugural meeting of Ohio’s Redistricting Commission on Monday, marking the official start of the state’s second phase of congressional redistricting. The meeting was convened by Governor Mike DeWine in accordance with the state Constitution.
Stewart serves as the sole appointee from the House Majority Caucus. The commission also includes Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (co-chair), Secretary of State Frank LaRose, State Auditor Keith Faber, Senator Jane Timken, and House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn.
“I want to thank Speaker Huffman, and my House colleagues, for the opportunity to serve on this Commission,” Stewart said. “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.”
The meeting began with the ceremonial swearing-in of commission members, followed by opening remarks from Stewart and co-chair Antonio. The session included testimony on companion bills H.B. 442 and S.B. 259, which were presented to the Joint Committee in September.
Stewart emphasized the commission’s commitment to bipartisanship and transparency. “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,” he said. “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 for the commission’s next meeting have not yet been announced.
