Illinois Democrats plot power grab with redistricting plan targeting LaHood’s GOP Seat

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — As Illinois lawmakers near the end of their fall veto session, a political storm is brewing over a potential redraw of the state’s congressional map, a move that could shift the balance of power in Washington.

Illinois currently has a U.S. congressional delegation consisting of 14 Democrats and 3 Republicans.

The proposed redistricting plan

may target Congressman Darren LaHood’s (R) district, which includes parts of the northern Illinois stateline and extends into Chicago’s southwest suburbs.

House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D) stated, “It’s my expectation that Illinois, Democrats are going to carefully consider their options and make sure that they draw the congressional map possible for the people of that great state.”

Governor JB Pritzker expressed his opposition to mid-cycle redistricting, saying, “I don’t think any of it is good. I don’t want to do it for the state of Illinois. I have to say though that we live in, I mean, the most dangerous times that I can remember when it comes to preserving our democratic institutions. They are breaking them down everywhere. What should we do? Should we just sit back and let it happen? I don’t know what the right answer is.”

Governor Pritzker suggested the formation of a national commission for redistricting, advocating for fair elections and maps that are reflective of the population. He mentioned that in 2021, Democrats introduced a bill in Congress that would require independent commissions for every state.

The Springfield veto session is expected to conclude next week, which means any changes to the congressional map would need to be decided by then.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WTVO. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WTVO staff before being published.