Illinois Gov. Pritzker Hosts Texas Democrats Fleeing GOP Redistricting Battle

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has openly supported aggressive partisan redistricting tactics in response to President Donald Trump's push for a Republican-favored congressional map in Texas, stating that "everything’s on the table" and Democrats must "fight fire with fire." Texas House Democrats fled the state to Illinois and other blue states to block a GOP redistricting vote aimed at flipping five districts to Republican control in the 2026 midterms, with Pritzker hosting and backing these efforts. Pritzker and national Democrats have abandoned traditional commitments to politically fair maps, advocating for retaliatory redistricting in Democratic-led states if Republicans proceed, reflecting a heightened partisan battle over control of Congress. Pritzker accused Trump and Texas Republicans of "cheating" and violating the Voting Rights Act in their redistricting efforts, framing it as a desperate attempt to avoid losing the 2026 elections. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin emphasized that Republicans must choose between continuing partisan gerrymandering or facing countermeasures from Democrats, warning of an escalating "arms race" in redistricting. The standoff highlights deepening political polarization and the willingness of both parties to use aggressive tactics to influence electoral outcomes.