### Cleveland Browns Owners Among Top Donors Opposing Ohio Redistricting Amendment

Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have emerged as major contributors in the campaign against Ohio's proposed Issue 1, a constitutional amendment aimed at revamping the state’s redistricting process. The amendment would transfer control over drawing legislative maps from elected officials to a newly formed Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission, excluding politicians from the panel.

According to campaign finance reports filed with the Ohio Secretary of State, the Haslams donated $100,000 to the Ohio Works campaign, with each contributing $50,000 in late August. This makes them some of the largest individual donors opposing the amendment. Notably, the only larger individual contributions came from retired Cincinnati developer David Warner, a longtime Republican supporter, and his wife, Geraldine, who collectively donated $151,000 to the same campaign.

The Haslams, who also own the Columbus Crew soccer team, have a history of substantial political contributions in Ohio. Their current efforts coincide with their pursuit of public funding for a new football stadium in northeast Ohio. They are proposing a $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park and are seeking about $1.2 billion in state support.

In addition to their anti-Issue 1 efforts, the Haslams have been significant supporters of various political figures, contributing to both Republican and Democratic candidates. Their political activity includes hosting a fundraiser and donating to state Sen. Matt Dolan’s campaign during his primary challenge against Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. They also shifted their support to Bernie Moreno after he won the primary, donating $50,000 each, with additional contributions totaling $45,000 from other family members.

Furthermore, the Haslams have also supported state Sen. Matt Huffman’s campaign, each donating over $15,000 to the current Ohio Senate President. Huffman, a key figure in the Ohio Redistricting Commission whose maps were repeatedly ruled unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court, is a prominent contender for Speaker of the House next year, though he is term-limited out of the Senate.

Their substantial financial involvement highlights the importance of Issue 1 in the upcoming November vote and underscores the significant interests at play in Ohio's redistricting process.