Stephen Colbert Highlights Illinois Gerrymandering Amid Texas Redistricting Dispute

During a recent episode of The Late Show, host Stephen Colbert confronted Illinois Governor JB Pritzker about the state's heavily gerrymandered congressional map, highlighting one district that resembled "the stinger on a scorpion." Colbert questioned whether such extreme redistricting was common, prompting Pritzker to humorously respond that the map appeared as if drawn by a "kindergarten class." The discussion occurred against the backdrop of Texas Republicans' mid-decade efforts to redraw their own congressional districts, which led dozens of Texas Democratic legislators to flee to Illinois for protection. Pritzker indicated Illinois might consider redrawing its districts in response, asserting that "everything’s on the table" and emphasizing the need to "fight fire with fire" due to what he described as unconstitutional actions by Texas Republicans. Further, Pritzker accused President Trump of attempting to "steal five seats" and disenfranchise voters through these redistricting efforts. The exchange brought attention to the ongoing national debate over partisan gerrymandering and redistricting battles between Democrats and Republicans.