COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Redistricting Commission voted unanimously Friday morning to approve a new congressional map that once again changes Pickaway County’s representation in Congress.
The decision came during a meeting in the Ohio House Finance hearing room, where the bipartisan vote drew different opinions from the crowd. The new map was introduced on Thursday by State Rep. Brian Stewart (R–Ashville), who serves as co-chair of the commission.
Under the approved plan, Republicans are positioned to hold an advantage in 12 of Ohio’s 15 U.S. congressional districts, up from the current 10 GOP-leaning seats. The 4th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Jim Jordan (R–Urbana), remains the most heavily Republican with an estimated 72% GOP advantage.
The previous map, a temporary map adopted in March 2022, split the state 10–5 in favor of Republicans. The new boundaries could face a legal challenge before the Ohio Supreme Court, which currently has six Republican justices and one Democrat.
Pickaway County Moves Back to the 15th District
For residents of Pickaway County, the redistricting marks yet another shift in congressional representation. In 2021, it was represented by OH-15 under Steve Stivers, and then was represented by Mike Carey during a special election. The county then was moved into Ohio’s 2nd District in 2022 after a temporary map agreement, represented first by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R) and, following his 2024 retirement, by Rep. David Taylor (R).
Under the newly approved map, Pickaway County will move back into the 15th Congressional District beginning with the 2026 election cycle. That district is currently represented by Rep. Mike Carey (R–Columbus) through November 2026.
The return to the 15th District effectively means Pickaway County voters will have five representatives in just five years, as redistricting continues to reshape Ohio’s political landscape.
The new map will take effect for the 2026 elections, with candidates expected to begin announcing their plans in the coming year.
