Over 50 Texas Democrats Flee State Over Redistricting Fight Amid Illinois Map Fairness Criticism

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker faced sharp criticism from NBC host Kristen Welker regarding his state's congressional district maps, which have been widely graded as unfair, including an 'F' from every major grading group. Welker highlighted that Common Cause, a non-partisan watchdog, described Illinois' map as a near-perfect example of flawed redistricting, and challenged Pritzker on how he plans to preserve democracy while employing tactics similar to those he criticizes in Texas Republicans. Pritzker responded by deflecting to issues in Texas without directly addressing the criticisms of Illinois' maps. Vice President JD added to the debate, stating on Fox News that the 2020 census contained significant statistical errors, leading to potential inaccuracies in congressional districting, with blue states overcounted and red states undercounted. He accused the Democratic Party of decades-long institutional control and efforts to rig the political system in their favor at the expense of Republicans. Meanwhile, Illinois has become a refuge for over 50 Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled their state to stall a contentious vote on redistricting tied to President Donald Trump's policies.