Today, Governor JB Pritzker suggested to reporters that the state might need to “counterbalance” Illinois’ congressional districts to be even more favorable to Democrats after reports that Texas is considering redrawing some of its congressional districts. This is despite the fact that Illinois’ heavily gerrymandered congressional districts already favor Democrats 14-3.
“Governor Pritzker wants “rules for thee but not for me,” said Elik. “Just a few short years ago, Pritzker happily signed into law some of the worst, most gerrymandered maps in the country that packed his supermajority legislature and Illinois courts. House Republicans took a strong stand against gerrymandering and hold firm that voters should pick their politicians – not the other way around. Suddenly, when Democrats aren’t the ones drawing the maps, Pritzker changes his tune. This is just gaslighting flop as he tries to safe face for his Presidential aspirations.”
The nonpartisan Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave Illinois’ congressional districts a failing ‘F’ grade. Elik also noted that in the 2024 Illinois House elections, Democratic candidates won 55% of the statewide vote, however they were able to accrue a supermajority 78 of the 118 seats, or 66.1% of the state house seats. In 2022, the results were even more lopsided, with Republican candidates won a majority of the statewide vote, however Democrats picked up supermajorities.