Illinois Gov Pritzker Criticizes Texas GOP Remap, Leaves Door Open for Illinois Response

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has criticized Texas Republicans and President Donald Trump for attempting to redraw Texas congressional maps mid-decade to add more Republican seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, calling the move "cheating" and improper. Pritzker suggested that Illinois Democrats could consider redrawing their own maps to counterbalance Texas' effort, though the state's legislative leaders have stated no such action is being pursued. Illinois Republicans have sharply condemned Pritzker's remarks as hypocritical, pointing to his 2021 approval of partisan maps that heavily favored Democrats and were widely criticized as gerrymandered. Despite Pritzker's past campaign promises opposing gerrymandering, he signed maps that increased the Democratic congressional majority in Illinois, leading critics to accuse him of double standards. The controversy highlights broader national tensions over redistricting practices and the integrity of electoral boundaries ahead of upcoming elections. Both parties acknowledge the political stakes involved, but Illinois lawmakers show little appetite for another round of redistricting at this time.