Democrats React to Issue 1 Results

Today, members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus responded to the results of the November 5 general election on Issue 1.
 
“Power-hungry Republican politicians deceived voters, put deceptive language on the ballot, and outright lied to keep a grasp on their artificial legislative supermajorities,” said Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood). “While I am devastated by this loss, I will continue to fight for fair maps alongside the many Ohioans – Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike – who demand better from our state government. The fight for fair maps is far from over.”
 
“While I am disappointed by the results of this election, I accept the outcome and I know the fight isn’t over,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus). “Our opponents spent tens of millions of dollars on a disinformation campaign to spread lies about Issue 1, and the Republicans on the Ballot Board approved language that was purposefully confusing to many voters. The opposition knew that Ohioans supported fair maps and they used every tool at their disposal to defeat Issue 1. We will continue to fight for fair representation and we will not let this defeat slow us down.”
 
"The Ohio GOP has once again deceived hardworking Ohioans who, at the bare minimum, deserve honesty.  The deceptive ballot language and blatant lies spread about Issue 1 serve only the corrupt politicians who benefit from the current gerrymandered maps," said Democratic Whip Kent Smith (D-Euclid). "But, the people of Ohio are resilient, and we will continue to fight for a legislature that works for all Ohioans.”
 
“The failure to pass Issue 1 is a setback for the people of Ohio," said Assistant Democratic Whip Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati). “This measure was designed to strengthen our democracy, protect access to justice, and ensure that all voices, especially those from underserved communities, are heard. While we may be disappointed by this outcome, our work is not over. We will continue to fight for the fairness and equality that every Ohioan deserves, and we will not stop pushing for a more just and inclusive future for our state.”
 
“Through their blatant gerrymandering of the ballot language, the politicians may have prevailed at this time,” said Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo). “Even still, the people will continue to make their voices heard.”
 
“Despite a majority of Ohioans believing that people, not politicians should draw redistricting maps, crooked Republicans like Secretary LaRose and Governor DeWine tipped the balance of this election with lies, voter purges, the nation’s most restrictive voting rules, and outright lies on the ballot,” said Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus). “This is a dark day for all Ohioans who wanted to live in a representative democracy.”