Sangamon Sun

Governor JB Pritzker has come under criticism for his stance on gerrymandering and the process of drawing legislative maps in Illinois. The issue gained attention after Pritzker appeared on a late-night talk show with Stephen Colbert, where Colbert referenced the irregular shapes of the state’s congressional districts, particularly the 13th and 17th. Colbert described one district as resembling “the stinger on a scorpion,” to which Pritzker responded, “We handed it over to a kindergarten class and let them decide… That’s our independent commission.”

The debate over redistricting is not new in Illinois. In 2016, then-President Barack Obama addressed the Illinois General Assembly, calling for reforms in how legislative maps are drawn. Despite this call for change, critics say that Governor Pritzker later signed into law maps drawn by the Democratic supermajority in the legislature—maps some have called among the most gerrymandered in the country.

Opponents argue that efforts to create an independent redistricting commission have been blocked by Governor Pritzker and Democratic legislators. They claim this allows political leaders to shape districts behind closed doors rather than through a transparent process.

“Citizens should be picking their politicians, not Democratic politicians picking their voters,” critics argue.

Illinois State Representative Mike Coffey has also spoken out against current redistricting practices. “The citizens of Illinois are being ignored and their voices have been silenced by gerrymandered maps,” said Coffey. “Our state should have a fair playing field, but Democrats have supported maps that basically eliminate competition and it’s only hurting the state of Illinois.”

House Republicans continue to advocate for independent redistricting through measures such as HJRCA 5 and have challenged current district maps in court.

Coffey was elected as a Republican to represent Illinois’ 95th House District in 2023, succeeding Tim Butler.