How Census population count sets Ohio’s congressional districts

How much power will Ohio have in the next presidential election?

We’ll get an idea today at 3 p.m. when the U.S. Census releases the latest population counts for the nation and states.

Ohio’s population will determine how many seats in Congress – and electoral votes – Ohio will have when the U.S. Census announces population counts for the nation and states.

Ohio is expected to lose at least one of its 16 congressional seats due to Ohio growing slower than other areas of the country. States like Oregon, Colorado and Arizona are expected to pick up seats.

Once the numbers are official, states across the country will begin drawing new boundaries for their congressional districts. Ohio’s process is dictated in its constitution, though that could be amended in August. 

For Greater Cincinnati, this could have major implications for Reps. Steve Chabot and Rep. Brad Wenstrup. The two Republicans represent portions of Hamilton County. 

In central Ohio, Delaware County is growing faster than any other county in the state. The explosion of new schools and housing developments north of Columbus could spell trouble for a handful of Republican statehouse candidates. Republican Sen. Stephanie Kunze, R-Hilliard, narrowly eked out a win against her Democratic challenger in 2020.