Illinois Gov. Pritzker Criticizes Texas GOP Redistricting Plans Amid Democratic Exodus

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sharply criticized Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump over GOP-led mid-decade redistricting efforts, calling Abbott a "joke" and Trump a "cheater" attempting to undermine democracy. Pritzker defended Illinois' congressional map as constitutionally drawn following public hearings and the decennial census, countering accusations of gerrymandering despite Republicans winning 44% of the statewide vote but holding only three of 17 House districts. Texas Democrats fled their state to prevent a quorum in the state House, protesting Abbott's plan to redraw congressional districts to secure up to five additional safe Republican seats. Critics, including some Republicans, condemned the mid-decade redistricting as damaging to established norms and potentially encouraging similar actions by blue states, with partisan gerrymandering acknowledged as a bipartisan practice. Conservative commentators highlighted the irony of Democrats' complaints given gerrymandering in blue states like Illinois, accusing them of hypocrisy. The dispute underscores the ongoing national tension over redistricting tactics and their implications for electoral fairness and political power.