Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is signaling possible new efforts to strengthen Democratic control over the state’s congressional districts, following reports of redistricting maneuvers in Texas. The announcement comes despite Illinois’ districts already heavily favoring Democrats 14-3. Deputy Illinois House Minority Leader Ryan Spain (R-73rd District) strongly criticized the Governor, calling him hypocritical and referencing national analysts who gave Illinois an “F” for its extreme gerrymandering. Spain highlighted that Democrats’ legislative supermajorities do not reflect actual vote totals, arguing they exist only because of skewed district lines. Calls for reform and accusations of political opportunism continue to dominate the debate.
“Nothing is more phony than disingenuous and hypocritical outrage from a grandstanding Governor who signed some of the worst partisanly gerrymandered legislative maps in the country,” said Spain. “I disagree with efforts in other states to double down on further partisan gerrymandering, but I can make that statement because I voted against partisan gerrymandering in Illinois and have been dedicated to its elimination for many years.
“Let’s not forget, JB Pritzker campaigned against partisan gerrymandering and then betrayed his word as soon as it became politically useful to him. The nonpartisan Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave Illinois’ congressional districts a failing ‘F’ grade. The fact is, Democrats’ supermajorities in the Illinois General Assembly and their grip on our congressional delegation only exist because of this extreme partisan gerrymandering. Spare us the fake outrage, Governor.”
The recent 2024 House elections highlight the issue: although Democratic candidates received 55% of the vote, they claimed more than 66% of seats—securing a supermajority. The 2022 results were even more striking, as Republicans garnered more votes statewide, yet Democrats maintained their supermajority. Representative Ryan Spain, who serves the 73rd House District covering several central and northwestern counties, including portions of Bureau, Henry, Lee, Marshall, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Whiteside, and Woodford counties. For more information, visit RepRyanSpain.com.