Category: News

  • Less Than 48 Hours Until Next Redistricting Deadline, It’s Radio Silence from Ohio Republicans

    Columbus, Ohio-  Less than 48 hours remain until Ohio Republicans will have officially blown past another redistricting deadline without revealing a proposed congressional map or seriously considering other proposals. Republicans are set on running out the clock to pass their extreme, unconstitutional map out of sight, but Democrats are fighting back and making sure Ohioans know what’s at stake.

    While Ohioans wait to see exactly how Republicans will try to silence their voices and their votes, here’s what Republicans have been up to:

    First, Republicans on the Ohio Redistricting Committee spent the month of September holding sham hearings, ignoring voters who travelled from across the state to provide testimony, and stalled the fair, constitutional map Democrats proposed while failing to provide an alternative.

    Now, Republicans have spent October waiting to seat the Ohio Redistricting Commission until the last minute and only holding one hearing with no opportunity for public testimony. They’re expected to miss the second deadline in this process with no proposed map. 

    Next, the process moves back to the general assembly, where Republicans will likely try to quickly introduce and pass an extreme, unconstitutional map out of sight of voters. Democrats have options in this process and will use every tool available to make sure Ohioans get the fair map they deserve.

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  • Jon Husted Doubles Down on Reckless Tariffs Crushing Ohio Farmers

    Columbus, Ohio – Today, Senator Jon Husted doubled down on his support for reckless tariffs, voting once again against proposals reigning in the tariffs that Ohio farmers say are driving up costs and cutting off markets. Husted has said that critics “are wrong” about the tariffs, they “haven’t affected the economy negatively,” and “the policies are working.” 

    Ohio Democratic Party Senior Communications Advisor Tony Wen released the following statement: 

    “These reckless tariffs are crushing Ohio farmers — and Jon Husted is cheering them on. While family farms struggle to sell each bushel of soybeans, Husted has been silent on a $40 billion taxpayer funded bailout to Argentina, the very country undercutting our farmers. Instead of fighting for Ohio, Jon Husted is selling us out.”

    Husted’s reckless tariffs are crushing Ohio farmers:

    • Because of the Husted-backed tariffs, Ohio farmers haven’t sold a single bushel of soybeans to China this harvest season. Normally, China buys 25% to 30% of the U.S. soybean crop.
    • The Husted-backed tariffs are crushing Ohio family farms, threatening many with “risk of foreclosure and forced auction.”
    • Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs said that farmers are taking major losses because of the Husted-backed tariffs — and it is putting them in a “hell of a mess.”
    • The Husted-backed tariffs are costing a Grove City manufacturer millions of dollars in business, potentially threatening hundreds of jobs. When the company reached out to Jon Husted, his only response was that he “passed along” the concern to the administration.
    • Meanwhile, Husted has been silent on a $40 billion taxpayer funded bailout to Argentina, the very country that is undercutting American farmers while Ohio gets squeezed.

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    The post Jon Husted Doubles Down on Reckless Tariffs Crushing Ohio Farmers appeared first on Ohio Democrats.

  • Four Weeks Into Republican Shutdown, 1.4 Million Ohioans Facing Loss of SNAP Benefits

    Columbus, Ohio- Four weeks have passed since all Republican Members of Congress from Ohio chose to shut down the federal government to avoid lowering the cost of healthcare. Now, life is about to get even more difficult for Ohio’s working families as 1.4 million Ohioans brace for a month without receiving the food assistance they need to feed their families.

    While members of Ohio’s Republican delegation are on the verge of allowing their constituents to go hungry, Democrats are stepping up. Last week, all Ohio congressional Democrats signed on to a letter urging the Department of Agriculture to use contingency funds to ensure no one goes hungry. Statehouse Democrats are introducing legislation to allow Ohio to use the state’s rainy day fund to fill funding gaps.

    See below for more information on how many Ohioans won’t be able to put food on the table due to the Republican shutdown and click here for information on all 88 counties:

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    The post Four Weeks Into Republican Shutdown, 1.4 Million Ohioans Facing Loss of SNAP Benefits appeared first on Ohio Democrats.

  • What Ohioans Are Reading: “Missing Congressional Map Shows Politicians’ Disrespect for Ohio Voters”

    Columbus, Ohio- There’s less than a week to go until the next deadline in Ohio’s congressional redistricting process, and Republicans still haven’t unveiled a proposed map. After already missing one deadline, Republicans are refusing to hold hearings on a proposed democratic map and are delaying the process to pass their extreme map with as little public input as possible.

    Here’s what Ohioans are reading about the disrespect Republicans are showing towards Ohio voters:

    Akron Beacon Journal: The missing congressional map shows politicians’ disrespect for Ohio voters | Opinion, The Rev. Raymond Greene Jr.

    • I didn’t realize deadlines were optional in Columbus. But apparently, they are, at least for the Republican lawmakers running our Statehouse.
    • Instead of doing their job and producing a fair congressional map by Sept. 30, they let the deadline pass without even presenting a single proposal. Not one. What we got instead were excuses that are empty, dishonest, and insulting to the people of Ohio.
    • What we’re witnessing is a calculated delay, an attempt to run out the clock so the legislature can take back control and push through a map that silences millions of voices.
    • And let’s not pretend this isn’t intentional. This is part of a larger national strategy, led by those who want to lock in power by dividing communities and diluting Black and Brown voting strength. 
    • This is about control, not democracy. It’s about power, not people.
    • The will of the people is not confusing. It’s clear. Fair maps. Fair elections. Nothing less is acceptable.

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    The post What Ohioans Are Reading: “Missing Congressional Map Shows Politicians’ Disrespect for Ohio Voters” appeared first on Ohio Democrats.

  • ICYMI: Ohioans Brace for Skyrocketing Premiums Thanks to Husted’s Health Care Crisis 

    WEWS: “Roughly 56,000 people in Cuyahoga County alone [get] health insurance through the exchange—insurance that the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation estimates will go up 237%”

    Columbus, Ohio — An estimated 583,000 Ohioans are bracing for record premium hikes as the November 1 ACA open enrollment deadline looms and ACA tax credits are set to expire. 

    Senator Husted has repeatedly voted to shut down the government rather than protect affordable health care for Ohioans. 

    See for yourself: 

    WEWS: “Jaw Hit the Floor,” Health Care Costs Set to Spike by 237% Across Ohio

    • John Kosich: Anne Griffith of University Heights retired earlier this year to care for an aging parent—one of the tens of thousands of Northeast Ohioans who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. Her rates have been manageable at just over $200 a month. Because of the elimination of an enhanced premium tax credit in this summer’s Republican tax bill, she estimates her out-of-pocket could jump to nearly $1,200 a month.
    • John Kosich: What was your reaction when you saw the difference that this would mean? 
    • Anne Griffith, Ohio Voter: Jaw hit the floor. Going up to pay almost $1,200 a month is going to be very, very difficult.
    • John Kosich: Aimee is right there with her. Self-employed, she’s relied on the marketplace for her insurance for a decade now.
    • John Kosich: Have you seen what your increases will be yet?
    • Aimee Lee, Ohio Voter: I have not. I have been so scared—that’s the stress. Ever since the bill came down, I just don’t know. It’s going to be bad. That’s all I know.
    • John Kosich: They are two of the roughly 56,000 people in Cuyahoga County alone getting health insurance through the exchange—insurance that the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation estimates will go up 237 percent. The tax credit they currently receive is at the center of the debate in this government shutdown. With Democrats wanting the credit restored as part of winning their vote to re-open the government.

    WOIO: Thousands Across Ohio Could Lose Health Care

    • Brian Duffy: Well, we know health care is a necessity — and there’s a real good chance it could cost you more next year. Some of you may be paying double what you are right now.
    • Nichole Vrsansky: So can anything be done? Noelle Williams spoke with state lawmakers about what they’re trying to do to help you.
    • Aimee Lee, Ohio Voter: “Disastrous, expensive, and malicious, wants to block my rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — I’m infuriated.”
    • Noelle Williams: Aimee Lee cries at the thought of losing her health care. The Beefed-up premium subsidies are set to expire at the end of this year. I spoke with the Lyndhurst woman moments after lawmakers demanded to keep the current Affordable Care Act and Medicaid in place. Lee tells me she is one of more than 40,000 people across Northeast Ohio who may not be able to afford or possibly lose their insurance.
    • Dr. Arthur Lavin, Ohio Voter: If you can’t pay for health care and you have diabetes, you will not get insulin. That means you could go into coma. That means you could die.

    WCPO: Health Insurance Heading Up For Millions

    • Kristen Skovira: Well, health care costs expected to surge next year for thousands in the Tri-State as Obamacare tax credits expire and then health insurers raise some of their rates. Health care advocates say even if you have a good plan through your employer, you might be hit with the biggest increase in 15 years. Experts say companies are asking their workers to pay as much as 6 to 7% more next year, plus additional payments with each doctor’s visit.
    • Health Care Expert: About 60% of employers are planning not only to increase payroll contributions, but also increasing cost sharing — so that could be copays, deductibles, coinsurances, or out of pocket maximums.
    • Kristen Skovira: Meantime, 80% of families on Obamacare are expected to see premiums increase starting in January, with lower-income families seeing the biggest percentage increases. 

    WVXU: Analysis: Thousands of Tri-State families could face sticker shock in ACA impasse

    • Millions of Americans who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange — including many in Ohio […] — are living on pins and needles as this federal government shutdown grinds on with no end in sight.
    • These are individuals and families who depend on ACA tax subsidies to be able to afford health care coverage, and who will lose that help at the end of this year if Congress does not end the stalemate soon.
    • A recent national poll conducted for KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation) showed 78% of Americans support extending ACA subsides. And that support is across the political spectrum — Democrats (92%), independents (82%), and Republicans (59%). Even a majority of those who identify as MAGA supporters (57%) favor keeping the ACA subsidies.
    • The people taking advantage of the ACA system are people like real estate brokers, farmers, barbers — anyone who is self-employed. There are many people, too, who retire at the age of 60, lose their employer’s insurance, and have to cover the gap until they are 65 and can qualify for Medicare.
    • Now, the people who use ACA subsidies to pay for health care are already getting letters in the mail warning them the subsidies may be going away soon.
    • What’s more, people getting ACA subsidies may soon be in for a “double whammy” that will affect all Ohioans with health insurance, according to a leading health care policy analyst.
    • Brian O’Rourke, policy analyst for the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, said insurance companies operating in Ohio already are proposing plans to state regulators that have the highest rate increases since 2017.
    • “The fear is that higher premiums and no ACA subsidies will just drive many people out of the system altogether,’’ O’Rourke said.

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    The post ICYMI: Ohioans Brace for Skyrocketing Premiums Thanks to Husted’s Health Care Crisis  appeared first on Ohio Democrats.

  • Everywhere Vivek Ramaswamy has Traveled While Avoiding Questions on Epstein Files 

    Columbus, Ohio- When pressed on his sudden silence on releasing the Epstein files after being a vocal proponent of doing so, Ramaswamy said he was more focused on “state issues.” Let’s take a look at what kind of state issues he’s been talking about over the past few months.

    In Virginia, Ramaswamy campaigned with gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle Sears before heading over to New Jersey to campaign with gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. He even spoke at an event in Montana. Now, he’s out of the state again instead of focusing on the “state issues” he claims to care so much about. While Ohioans are looking for answers, Ramaswamy continues to run away.

    Check out more clips of Ramaswamy dodging questions on the Epstein files when he did make an appearance in Ohio:

    AP: He planned to run for Ohio governor. Now Jon Husted could be in the US Senate’s toughest 2026 race

    “After their cross-endorsement event in Columbus, Ramaswamy rushes out of the room, past a swarm of shouting reporters.”

    10TV: Husted, Ramaswamy endorse each other to show GOP unity ahead of 2026 election

    “Unlike Husted and Triantafilou, Ramaswamy did not speak with reporters after the event”

    NBC4: Sen. Jon Husted and Ohio Gov. candidate Vivek Ramaswamy endorse each other

    “Both candidates promised to talk to reporters, but Ramaswamy instead made a quick exit.”

    WXVU: Analysis: Vivek Ramaswamy goes silent on past demands to release Epstein files, 

    “WVXU’s requests to Ramaswamy’s campaign staff and strategists for an interview with the candidate went unanswered.”

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    The post Everywhere Vivek Ramaswamy has Traveled While Avoiding Questions on Epstein Files  appeared first on Ohio Democrats.

  • More Than Three Weeks After Government Shutdown, Republicans are Still Refusing to Lower Healthcare Costs for Ohioans

    Columbus, Ohio- Just over three weeks ago, all members of Ohio’s Republican congressional delegation allowed a government shutdown instead of lowering the cost of healthcare for Ohioans. Now, more than half a million Ohioans could be stuck paying more to get the care they need after Republicans continuously failed to take action. While Republicans refuse to help Ohioans afford healthcare coverage, Democrats are standing up for their constituents and are ready to get to work.

    Over 583,000 Ohioans could soon see their healthcare premiums get more expensive or risk losing coverage entirely if Republicans allow tax credits that help families afford coverage to expire. At the same time, 490,000 Ohioans are at risk of being kicked off their healthcare entirely due to the big, ugly bill that all Ohio Republicans rubber stamped. 

    See for yourself:

    Columbus Dispatch: Ohioans under Obamacare to see health costs spike or lose coverage if tax credits expire

    • Hundreds of thousands of Ohioans who buy health insurance in the Affordable Care Act marketplace will see their premium costs spike dramatically or be uninsured altogether if tax credits from the federal government expire.
    • These “enhanced premium tax credits”, or subsidies, are at the center of the nearly two-week government shutdown. They currently help over 24 million people, among them 583,000 Ohioans, afford health insurance that isn’t connected to an employer, depending on their income, that they purchase through the ACA marketplace.
    • But those subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025, with no apparent plan to extend them. It’s a major sticking point for Democrats who are railing against Republican cost-cutting efforts to health care.
    • If the enhanced premium tax credits expire, a KFF Health News analysis found that enrollees will see their premiums more than double in 2026.
    • In Ohio, that could look like a $2,092 increase per year for a family of four making $126,000 in Franklin County, according to KFF Health News’ calculation tool. For a 60-year-old couple in Delaware County making $75,000, there could be a $1,943 increase per year.

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  • Ohio Dems Chair: Sham Redistricting Commission Meeting Insulting to Voters

    Columbus, Ohio- Today, the Ohio Redistricting Commission met for the first time, officially kicking off the second stage in Ohio’s redistricting process. Although Ohioans from all corners of the state and walks of life have demanded a fair, constitutional map, Republicans have delivered nothing at all as they grow increasingly desperate to run out the clock.

    In response, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde released the following statement:

    “Today, the Ohio Redistricting Commission convened for the first time and once again made clear they believe Ohio voters are secondary to political power grabs. It’s no surprise Republicans are still refusing to take this process seriously, but that doesn’t make it any less insulting to voters who want a fair congressional map where every voice counts equally.

    While Republicans are set on running out the clock in hopes voters won’t notice their work to silence their voices, Democrats are getting to work, showing up at hearings, calling our legislators, and talking to our friends and neighbors about what’s at stake in this process. We’ll always fight for maps that actually represent how our state votes, and we’re prepared to use every option on the table to get it done.”

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    The post Ohio Dems Chair: Sham Redistricting Commission Meeting Insulting to Voters appeared first on Ohio Democrats.

  • NEW POLLING: Trump Popularity Plummeting in Ohio, Democrats in Strong Position in Statewide Races

    Columbus, Ohio- In case you missed it, a new poll from Bowling Green State University showed Donald Trump is now ten points underwater in Ohio and both the senate and gubernatorial races are competitive going into 2026. 

    After Republican policies in the federal and state government yielded disastrous results for Ohio’s working families, voters are ready for a change. Ohio Democrats are in a strong position to win at all levels of government with just over a year to go until the midterm elections. 

    See more from Bowling Green State University below: 

    • Donald Trump’s approval rating has steadily fallen in each of the polls we have conducted of Ohio voters this year. A majority of respondents believe the economy is worse than it was a year ago 
    • Many of his policies are not especially popular and his favorability has dropped 9 points from February to October, where he is now below water with a -10 favorability rating.”
    • “Democrats are likely to be encouraged by these numbers. They look to be competitive in both the governor’s race and the U.S. Senate race.”

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    The post NEW POLLING: Trump Popularity Plummeting in Ohio, Democrats in Strong Position in Statewide Races appeared first on Ohio Democrats.

  • What to Expect Ahead of the First Meeting of the Ohio Redistricting Commission

    Columbus, Ohio- Tomorrow, the Ohio Redistricting Commission will meet for the first time, officially kicking off the second stage of Ohio’s redistricting process. Ohioans want a fair, constitutional map that represents how the state actually votes. Instead, they’re likely to get more lies, confusion, and Republican power grabs.

    Republicans will likely fail to introduce a map over 20 days after the first deadline to do so passed.

    • Ohio Republicans blew past the first deadline to introduce a map after holding a round of sham hearings that were clearly only to fulfill a legal requirement. House and Senate Democrats introduced a fair, constitutional map, but Republicans refused to seriously consider it while continuing to stall on their own map. 
    • Now, Ohioans are stuck waiting on a map while Republicans appear increasingly desperate to run out the clock. There’s only ten days until the next redistricting deadline, and no signs that Republicans plan to take it seriously.

    If Republicans do finally manage to introduce a map, it will likely be unconstitutional and aimed at silencing the voices of Ohioans across the state.

    • It’s not a secret that Ohio Republicans plan to silence Ohio voters and further gerrymander the state. While Republicans fight for themselves, Democrats are fighting so every voter can make their voice heard.
    • Democrats have options and are prepared to use every tool available to stop Republicans and get a fair, constitutional map that actually represents how our state votes.

    Ohioans will see the same patterns they’ve grown used to: lies,  lack of transparency, and a desperation to change the rules ahead of what will be a difficult midterm election for Republicans.

    • New polling revealed Ohioans are fed up with the Republican billionaire-first agenda that’s driving up costs and will vote accordingly in 2026. In order to avoid being held accountable, Republicans will try to rig our congressional map so they don’t have to answer to anyone other than Trump and special interests. 
    • Whether it’s holding last-minute hearings, ignoring the voices of Ohioans from across the state, or delaying a proposed map until the last minute, it’s clear Republicans don’t care what Ohio voters want. Democrats are ready to hold them accountable at the polls in 2025 and 2026 no matter what the map looks like

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