Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently faced criticism over his state’s congressional map during an interview on NBC News. When asked about the allegations of gerrymandering in Illinois, Pritzker shifted the focus to Texas, accusing Republican leaders there of undermining democracy.
During the interview, host Kristen Welker highlighted that independent groups have given Illinois an "F" for the fairness of its congressional districts. Pritzker dismissed these claims, calling them distractions. He emphasized that the real issue lies with Texas, where he claims voting rights are under threat due to the state’s redistricting efforts.
Reports from organizations like Common Cause describe Illinois as a prime example of what can go wrong with redistricting. The state has been accused of manipulating the process to secure a Democratic supermajority, even after losing a congressional seat following the census.
Pritzker has also been supportive of Texas Democrats who recently left their state to block a new congressional map that could favor Republicans. This move has stalled legislation in Texas, including aid for flood victims. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have vowed to take action against the absent Democrats, suggesting they may face legal consequences for not returning to the legislature.
As tensions rise over these redistricting battles, both states are at the center of a larger discussion about voting rights and the fairness of election processes.
