Ohio Lawmakers Near Deal on GOP-Favored Congressional Map Amid SNAP Funding Crisis

Ohio lawmakers are facing a critical challenge as federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to expire due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, potentially leaving 1.4 million Ohioans without food assistance. Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman has explored alternative aid channels such as food banks and faith-based organizations, though he acknowledges these are not quick solutions, while Ohio House Democrats are urging Governor Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency and allocate $100 million for emergency food aid. The political debate has intensified, with Republicans opposing efforts to include SNAP funding in state bills and Democrats pushing for immediate action, including recalling National Guard members to assist with food distribution. In a separate but significant development, Ohio's bipartisan redistricting commission has unexpectedly reached an agreement on a new congressional map providing a modest Republican advantage ahead of the 2026 elections, avoiding a potentially heavily gerrymandered map that would have required a voter referendum. The new map shifts two Democratic-held districts to the right and makes one district more Democratic, maintaining Republican control of 10 districts and Democratic control of five, with some districts becoming more competitive. This agreement reflects broader national trends influenced by former President Donald Trump's push for redistricting to bolster Republican representation.