{"id":2504191,"date":"2025-10-29T07:42:01","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T11:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/house-democrats-urge-illinois-to-redistrict-ahead-of-2026\/"},"modified":"2025-10-29T07:44:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T11:44:25","slug":"house-democrats-urge-illinois-to-redistrict-ahead-of-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/house-democrats-urge-illinois-to-redistrict-ahead-of-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"House Democrats urge Illinois to redistrict ahead of 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fhouse-democrats-urge-illinois-to-redistrict-ahead-of-2026%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2504191&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Illinois Democratic congressional delegation is strongly supporting efforts to advance a new redistricting map in the state despite opposition from Black lawmakers concerned about the potential dilution of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/only-democratic-representative-to-vote-against-h-r-1-election-bill-explains-decision\/\" title=\"Only Democratic Representative To Vote Against H.R. 1 Election Bill Explains Decision\">minority voting power<\/a>. The 14-member delegation sent a letter urging state legislators to adopt a new congressional map to provide clarity and minimize disruption before upcoming elections.The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is also pushing for redistricting to counter Republican gains ahead of the 2026 midterms, emphasizing that the proposed map preserves Black and Hispanic representation and complies with the Voting Rights Act.<\/p>\n<p>However, some illinois Black lawmakers, including State Senator Willie Preston, have expressed firm opposition if the new map reduces minority representation or splits historically Black communities. preston noted he had not seen the proposed map and stressed the importance of maintaining key districts that protect Black voters. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries visited Illinois to discuss redistricting with local leaders, insisting that national Democrats remain committed to preserving minority voter influence.<\/p>\n<p>Governor J.B. Pritzker has been cautious about redistricting, acknowledging its possibility but not pushing for immediate action, reflecting some controversy over his previous stance on independent redistricting commissions.Simultaneously occurring, redistricting battles continue nationwide, with Republican-led efforts in states like Texas, Indiana, missouri, and North Carolina reshaping congressional maps. Democrats aim to respond strategically to thes changes to maintain political competitiveness.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Illinois delegation throws full weight behind redistricting despite hesitancy from black lawmakers<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2386355\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The Democratic <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/illinois\/\">Illinois<\/a> delegation is throwing its full support behind national calls for the Land of Lincoln to engage in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/redistricting\/\">redistricting<\/a>, despite pushback from black lawmakers who are hesitant to adopt a new map that dilutes minority voters.<\/p>\n<p>The 14 members in the Illinois congressional delegation sent a letter to state lawmakers on Tuesday saying that they &ldquo;firmly support advancing a new congressional map,&rdquo; coming one day after House Minority Leader <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/hakeem-jeffries\/\">Hakeem Jeffries<\/a> (D-NY) met with leaders in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/chicago\/\">Chicago<\/a> and Springfield about redistricting.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/3866920\/fbi-arctic-frost-investigation-targeted-160-republican-operatives-lawmakers-search-election-crimes\/\">FBI Arctic Frost investigation targeted 160 Republican operatives, lawmakers in search of election crimes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3866874\/marjorie-taylor-greene-no-respect-mike-johnson-house-session-shutdown\/\">MTG says she has &#8216;no respect&#8217; for Mike Johnson keeping House out of session during shutdown<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3866287\/mike-johnson-questions-biden-executive-actions-autopen-oversight-report\/\">Mike Johnson calls into question Biden executive actions signed by autopen in wake of report<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3865632\/black-lawmakers-hold-illinois-redistricting-representation-fears\/\">BLACK LAWMAKERS &lsquo;HOLD THE LINE&rsquo; ON ILLINOIS REDISTRICTING OVER REPRESENTATION FEARS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;In the interest of minimizing disruption to the Illinois election calendar and providing voters certainty, we strongly encourage the legislature to seriously consider this new congressional map,&rdquo; the congressional delegation wrote.<\/p>\n<p>The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/dccc\/\">Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee<\/a> is also heavily advocating for redistricting in Illinois to counter the GOP&rsquo;s efforts to increase its majority in the House ahead of the 2026 midterms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>DCCC Executive Director Julie Merz said in a statement that a proposed congressional map was submitted to state legislative leaders in Illinois last week for their consideration.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Importantly, the map preserves Black and Hispanic representation in key districts across the state, is [Voting Rights Act] compliant, and keeps together communities of interest,&rdquo; Merz said.<\/p>\n<p>Jeffries&rsquo;s presence in Illinois and redistricting pleas from Washington are getting a cool reception from state lawmakers. Illinois <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/in_focus\/3816432\/illinois-2022-redistricting-cautionary-tale-california-texas\/\">adopted a new map in 2022<\/a>, which has received criticism from Republicans as it is considered one of the most gerrymandered maps in the U.S.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>However, Merz&rsquo;s statement addresses significant concerns among <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/how-china-used-a-prominent-hbcu-to-spin-its-pandemic-response\/\" title=\"China used a top HBCU to manipulate its pandemic response.\">black caucus leaders<\/a> in the Illinois state legislature. Jeffries met with members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus on Monday morning in Chicago and was joined by U.S. Reps. Danny Davis (D-IL), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL).<\/p>\n<p>Black state lawmakers, particularly state Sen. Willie Preston, gave Jeffries and the congressional delegation a firm reality check: if a new map dilutes the black vote and separates historically black communities into red districts, they <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3865632\/black-lawmakers-hold-illinois-redistricting-representation-fears\/\">will oppose the measure &ldquo;100%.&rdquo;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;If there is a requirement of us to lose the 1st, the 2nd, or the 7th Congressional District, that&rsquo;s something I&rsquo;m going to have to oppose, and I&rsquo;m going to lobby against it,&rdquo; Preston, chairman of the Illinois Senate black caucus, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>Preston said that he&rsquo;s hearing from black lawmakers across the country that Illinois needs to &ldquo;hold the line,&rdquo; as redistricting in southern states is causing them to potentially lose black representation on Capitol Hill. He also said he has not seen a single map, despite the DCCC saying one had been submitted last week.<\/p>\n<p>Jeffries, for his part, has said national Democrats are &ldquo;completely and totally committed&rdquo; to preserving minority voter representation so that &ldquo;communities of color can continue to elect candidates of their choice.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The General Assembly is scheduled to wrap up its legislative calendar later this week. The filing deadline for candidates to appear on the March 2026 primary ballot is also Nov. 3, but Jeffries brushed off the idea that there is a firm deadline to create a new map.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not convinced that this is something that needs to happen in the next two to three days,&rdquo; the minority leader said on Monday night.<\/p>\n<p>His comments echo those from Gov. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/jb-pritzker\/\">JB Pritzker<\/a> (D-IL), who said on Monday redistricting is &ldquo;possible&rdquo; but &ldquo;doesn&rsquo;t have to happen during veto session.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Pritzker has caught flak for promising to veto partisan maps and campaigning on amending the Illinois constitution to create an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/illinoiss-2022-redistricting-a-cautionary-tale-for-texas-and-california\/\" title=\"......s 2022 redistricting a cautionary tale for Texas and California\">independent redistricting commission similar<\/a> to California&rsquo;s, only to renege on that promise in 2021, signing the map that essentially forced out former GOP Reps. Rodney Davis and Adam Kinzinger in the 2022 midterm elections.<\/p>\n<p>The governor has been lukewarm in his comments regarding redistricting. Last week, he told reporters that Jeffries&rsquo;s team floated a plan to &ldquo;pair&rdquo; states in redistricting.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;If Missouri does it, maybe Maryland should do it. If Indiana does it, maybe Illinois should do it,&rdquo; the governor said. &ldquo;Nobody on our <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >side thinks mid-cycle redistricting<\/a> is proper. But if they&rsquo;re doing it and it&rsquo;s going to be legal, then apparently we&rsquo;re going to have to think about responding.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3863824\/democrats-try-to-keep-up-with-republicans-in-national-redistricting-war\/\">DEMOCRATS TRY TO KEEP UP WITH REPUBLICANS IN NATIONAL REDISTRICTING WAR<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>So far, Texas has successfully added five seats to its delegation at the behest of President Donald Trump to draw more winnable seats for the House GOP. Missouri and North Carolina have adopted maps that seek to write out Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), respectively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Gov. Mike Braun (R-IN) announced on Monday that he&rsquo;s convening the Indiana General Assembly for a special session on Nov. 3 to redraw the congressional map after weeks of pressure from Trump and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/3860133\/trumpworld-retaliation-indiana-lawmakers-redistricting\/\">his allies<\/a>. Virginia has <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">also kicked off a special session to draw a new map, and the DCCC is pressing Maryland to&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3863824\/democrats-try-to-keep-up-with-republicans-in-national-redistricting-war\/\">join the redistricting war<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Illinois Democrats back redistricting despite Black lawmakers&#8217; concerns<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2648,"featured_media":2504194,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25216840129657-1.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[42974,33723,6413,32504,16985],"class_list":["post-2504191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-2026-elections","tag-house-democrats","tag-illinois","tag-political-strategy","tag-redistricting"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25216840129657-1.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2504191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2648"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2504191"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2504191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2504196,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2504191\/revisions\/2504196"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2504194"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2504191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2504191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2504191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}