WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following Friday’s ruling by a three-judge panel that Ohio’s congressional districts are unconstitutional because of gerrymandering and need to be redrawn, the lawmakers who represent those districts are slowing reacting.

The 301-page ruling says Republican state legislators in Ohio and Republican operatives from Washington, D.C. “designed these districts [for the 2012 map] with one overarching goal in mind—the creation of an Ohio congressional map that would reliably elect twelve Republican representatives and four Democratic representatives."

As of Monday afternoon, eight of Ohio’s 18 members of Congress have issued a statement or responded to Spectrum News 1’s request for comment:

Senator Sherrod Brown (D): “We cannot allow gerrymandered maps to rob Ohioans of their constitutional right to have their voice fairly represented in Congress. For too long, politicians in Columbus and across the country – including Maryland and North Carolina – have rigged the system with gerrymandered maps at the expense of voters. [Friday’s] ruling is one more step toward making sure every voter’s voice is heard, but we still have a lot of work ahead to fight back against voter suppression in Ohio and across the country.”

Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-09): “[Friday], Ohio’s Southern District Court justly and unanimously ruled for the people of Ohio. Extreme radical partisan gerrymandering is about politicians picking their constituents. In a healthy democracy, constituents should be those who pick their elected leaders. In Ohio, our deeply partisan and illegally drawn districts were gerrymandered by Republicans and for Republicans, not for the people. These districts were drawn without regard for existing communities or counties and purposefully diluted the votes of millions of Ohioans. I am optimistic that [Friday’s] ruling moves us one step closer to restoration of a fair electoral system in the Buckeye State. A fair map will create compact districts that respect existing communities and counties in Ohio’s home rule tradition. It is our duty to end partisan gerrymandering once and for all, and to restore fair representation for all Americans.”

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-13): “This is a huge victory for the State of Ohio and our democracy. Partisan gerrymandering has become the unfortunate status quo in the United States, and it’s about time we end this undemocratic practice. These unfair maps perpetuate a cycle where districts are drawn to benefit the people in power. Ohio voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around. We must still remain vigilant and ensure that state elected officials draw a truly bipartisan, fair map. Fair maps mean fair elections.”

Rep.Bob Latta (R-05): “While I disagree with the ruling, this is one step in the legal process. The Supreme Court will have an opportunity to hear this case, and I’m confident that Ohio’s bipartisan congressional plan is constitutional.” 

Spokesperson for Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-11), who chairs the House Administration Elections Subcommittee: “It is not clear how the decision may or may not impact the 11^th Congressional District of Ohio.  She has not had an opportunity to personally review the decision, and the Cleveland PD reporting indicates that the decision requires additional work to be done for presentation to the court. Therefore, the Congresswoman believes it is premature for her to comment on the decision at this time.”

Spokesperson for Rep. Bill Johnson (R-06): “Because the litigation is ongoing, Congressman Johnson is unable to comment.” 

A spokesperson for Rep. Troy Balderson (R-12) and Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-02) each said no comment at this time.

Requests for comment were not returned by staff for Sen. Rob Portman (R), Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-16), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-08), Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-03), Rep. Dave Joyce (R-14), Rep. Steve Chabot (R-01), Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-07), Rep. Steve Stivers (R-15), Rep. Mike Turner (R-10), and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-04).