Pritzker Enacts New Congressional Map After Illinois Loses Seat In U.S. House

By Greg Bishop |, The Center Square

Nov 23, 2021

ILLINOIS — New Congressional boundaries drawn and passed by statehouse Democrats are now law.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday enacted the new Congressional map that will be the boundaries for the next ten years.

"These maps align with the landmark Voting Rights Act and will ensure all communities are equitably represented in our congressional delegation," Pritzker said in a statement.

But, not everyone sees it that way. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, said the maps are gerrymandered by Democrats.

“It’s unfortunate that these maps are blatantly gerrymandered,” LaHood told WMAY last week. “Pritzker went back on his word of wanting to have a fair map.”

Change Illinois called the maps "corrosive."

"Never before have Illinoisans seen such a brazen show of how corrosive politician-led redistricting can be for voters and communities across the state," the group said in a statement. "For the third time, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a map, mired in a process lacking transparency, putting partisan self-interests above the needs of people in communities across the state."

The new map accounts for Illinois' continued population decline, leading to the state having fewer seats and less influence in the U.S. House.

There are now 17 Congressional districts in Illinois for the next ten years, down from 18 the previous reapportionment. The state peaked at 27 seats in the U.S. House in the 1940s, but has gradually seen a decrease since. In 2000, there were 20 seats.

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