U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries brings his redistricting push to Illinois

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is wading into Illinois' heavily gerrymandered congressional map in an effort to squeeze out a 15th Democratic district, sparking tension with Republican lawmakers who say they won't back any plan that dilutes Black representation.

Jeffries met with several high-profile Black Illinois legislators, including state Senators Lakesia Collins and Willie Preston, and U.S. Representatives Jonathan Jackson, Danny Davis, Lauren Underwood, and Robin Kelly, in a bid to build support for his proposal. The powerful New York Democrat argues that Democrats need to respond to Republican efforts to redraw maps nationwide, with the goal of giving the GOP an edge heading into next year's midterm elections.

However, many lawmakers are hesitant to revisit maps that were only recently finalized, and some have privately expressed concerns about the potential backlash from revising a map that was graded an "F" by researchers at the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signaled openness to discussions, saying that he thinks it's possible to redraw the map without diluting Black representation.

Preston, one of the most forceful initial opponents of redistricting talks, has expressed caution, stating that any changes would need to prioritize maintaining Black votes. "If this map dilutes Black votes, I'm not only a no, I'm going to lobby other Black, Latino and my white colleagues to vote no," he said.

Illinois Republicans have lambasted Democrats for aiming for more out of the map, with party Chair Kathy Salvi accusing them of playing partisan games. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has warned that the effort could backfire for Pritzker and the Democrats, potentially changing the representation of the Black Caucus and putting the 17th congressional seat at risk.

As candidates began filing their petitions to appear on Illinois' March 17, 2026 primary, supporters say there's time to figure out the logistics of Jeffries' plan. The push comes as Republican-controlled legislatures in Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri have changed their maps in response to President Donald Trump's efforts to give the GOP an edge heading into next year's elections.

Man, this is like a perfect example of how politics can get super messy ! So Hakeem Jeffries is trying to squeeze out another Dem district in Illinois but Republicans are all like "nope, don't touch our maps" . It's like they're saying the status quo is better and we shouldn't rock the boat just because Democrats might gain an edge. I mean, come on, if that's how politics works, then let's at least have a conversation about it .

And what's up with the "F" grade from Princeton? That's like a big fat warning sign saying "hey, we gotta fix this ASAP!" But no one wants to make changes because of fear of backlash or something. It's like they're worried about losing their seats rather than doing what's right for the people .

I'm all for giving Black representation a priority, but it can't be just about appeasing certain groups at the expense of others . We need to have a balanced approach here and not play partisan games . It's time for Illinois politicians to put aside their differences and work towards something that benefits everyone . The people deserve better than this .

gotta think about the long game here... politicians are always trying to get ahead of the game, but they gotta consider how it affects future generations too if we're talkin' about dilutin' black votes, that's a slippery slope and we should be worried about how that'll impact people's lives in the long run

I'm lowkey worried about the whole gerrymandering situation... like, can't we just focus on actual policy stuff instead of playing games with our districts? I mean, I get it, Democrats wanna respond to Republicans' efforts, but do they really need to go and create more drama around it? And what's up with the "F" grade from Princeton? Like, who gets an F on a map? Seriously though, can't we just find a way to make our districts work for everyone, not just one party or another?

The US is at it again , messing around with congressional maps like they're playing a game of political chess . I mean, come on, 15th district? That's just ridiculous . And now these Black lawmakers are all up in arms about not wanting to dilute their votes, and rightfully so . The idea is that Democrats want an edge too, but do they really have to go after the underdog? It feels like they're just trying to one-up Republicans instead of focusing on what's best for the country . And what's with all this back-and-forth between politicians? Can't we just agree on something already?

man i'm low-key worried about this... it feels like we're right back where we were 10 yrs ago with gerrymandering.. remember when we used to think that had changed? it's crazy how politicians are still playing these same games to get ahead... i mean, can't they just focus on the people for once? and yeah, let's not forget how Illinois map got an F from those Princeton folks... ain't no one gonna fix that without some serious pushback. anyway, i'm all for pushing for more districts but this gotta be done right or it'll just backfire like so many other attempts

the thing is, i think this whole gerrymandering thing is super messy. on one hand, it's like, we gotta protect those black votes, you know? it's a huge deal. but at the same time, if they just keep messing around with maps and stuff, it's gonna get super frustrating for people who already have to navigate all these weird lines and whatnot. and honestly, i feel like we're just delaying the inevitable. some states are gonna be totally gerrymandered regardless of what anyone does.

I'm curious how this is gonna play out. If they can manage to squeeze in that 15th district without diluting Black representation, it could be a huge win for Democrats. But with Republicans already pushing back and Governor Pritzker being open to talks, it's a tricky situation. I think it's good that Jeffries is having those meetings with Black lawmakers – maybe they can find common ground on this one. And with the Republican-controlled legislatures in other states already changing their maps, this could be a domino effect. Will Illinois end up joining the party?

gotta feel for Hakeem Jeffries on this one he's trying to bring some much-needed change to Illinois' gerrymandered map, but it's like trying to put a square peg in a round hole the Republicans are being super stubborn about it, and it's gonna be hard to build support from both sides. I think JB Pritzker is on the right track tho prioritizing Black representation is key, no room for compromise there but at the same time, you gotta consider the logistics of adding another district without messing up the whole thing it's a tough spot to be in, but someone's gotta take the reins and make it happen

This whole gerrymandering situation is just wild. I mean, you've got the Democrats trying to counter Republican moves, but it's like they're playing a never-ending game of chess with no clear winner . Illinois' congressional map is already super messed up, and now we're talking about adding another district? It sounds like a recipe for disaster . And what's up with the Black representation thing? It seems like there's always gonna be tension around this issue . I just hope they can figure out a way to make it work without messing up the entire map .

Gerrymandering is a total mess . Can't we just draw fair maps already? 15th district sounds like a power play to me . Don't wanna see Black votes get diluted, period . Need some compromise, not politics as usual .

Illinois is a real mess when it comes to gerrymandering - who gets to decide what districts are "fair" or not? I think it's interesting that Hakeem Jeffries is trying to squeeze in an extra district, but at the same time, I get why Republican lawmakers are hesitant. It's like they're worried about being seen as racist if they let some Black representation slip through the cracks. On one hand, you gotta acknowledge that the current map is pretty messed up - it's an F from Princeton! But on the other hand, who do these lawmakers think they are making decisions for? shouldn't we have a more inclusive process for redistricting?

I think its cool that Hakeem Jeffries is trying to make a difference with this plan . He met with some big names like Lakesia Collins and Jonathan Jackson, and I'm sure they're all super passionate about not diluting Black representation in the districts . It's crazy how partisan things can get in politics, especially when it comes to gerrymandering . The thing is, we need more ppl coming together to make this stuff happen . And if Governor Pritzker and the rest of them are on board, I think there's hope for some real change . We gotta keep pushing forward and support each other in this fight!

Wow this whole gerrymandering thing is crazy! I mean, can't they just focus on drawing fair maps that represent all the people living there? It feels like politics is getting in the way of doing what's right for everyone. The fact that some lawmakers are worried about backlash from revising a map that got an "F" grade from researchers is wild . And I'm not surprised that Republicans are trying to play partisan games, it's always about winning elections over doing what's good for the people.

the whole gerrymandering thing is so messed up lol u gotta wonder why our politicians are still fighting over how many districts they can draw... it's like, can't we all just have a fair map already? anyway, i think hakeem jeffries is right on point about needing to respond to the republicans' attempts to manipulate maps nationwide. it's not like democrats are trying to be "partisan" or anything, they're just trying to level the playing field

I mean, can you blame them for getting salty about this? It's not like they didn't see it coming - the dems want a bigger slice of the pie and they're gonna try to grab some extra seats. The thing is, have you seen those gerrymandered maps in Illinois? They're straight-up ridiculous. Like, who thought it was a good idea to draw districts that are basically just tiny little slices of the state?

It's all about keeping those Black voters on board, and I don't blame them for being cautious. The last thing they need is some shady politician trying to screw them over. But at the same time, can't we just have a fair map without all the backroom deals and partisan posturing? It's like, come on, politicians, can you guys just get along for once?

I'm not sure why they're trying to squeeze out another district just 'cause Jeffries says so... 15th district or whatever . What's really gonna happen is that some random politician is gonna get elected because of some shady redistricting, and then nobody's gonna care about the impact it has on voters .

And honestly, I don't trust these Black legislators' claims that they want to protect black votes... what's their angle? Are they just trying to pad their own seats or something? . And Pritzker is all like "oh, we can do this without hurting anyone" but I'm not buying it.

It's just another game of partisan politics where some party tries to outmaneuver the other... what about the voters' interests? . Maybe they should focus on making sure our votes actually count instead of trying to draw up more districts to control the game .

omg you guys i am literally so done with gerrymandering it's like our entire democracy is being manipulated on a state by state basis and we're just sitting here twiddling our thumbs meanwhile politicians are busy drawing maps to screw over their own constituents... i mean come on hakeem jeffries is actually trying to do something about it but of course the republicans are gonna fight him tooth and nail because that's what they do best

and can we talk for a second about black representation in illinois? it's like we're making progress on one hand but then our politicians go behind our backs and redraw the map so that it's still a fraction of what it should be lakesia collins and wilie preston are speaking truth to power right now and i am SO here for it

i swear if we don't get some real change in the next election season i'm gonna lose my mind can we please just have a fair and equitable map that represents the people who voted for our politicians? is that too much to ask?!

the whole gerrymandering thing is just so messed up ... i mean, you've got democrats trying to fight back against republicans who are clearly trying to manipulate the system for their own benefit, but at the same time, you've also got other democrats who don't want to rock the boat and risk losing their seats or representation. it's like, can they just focus on making the system fair and not so biased towards one party? ... i think what needs to happen is that politicians need to put aside their own interests and do what's best for the country, not just for their own parties. and yeah, it's scary when you consider all the potential consequences of messing with the maps, especially if they end up diluting black representation...

I think this whole thing is super fishy... like, why is Jeffries trying to force Illinois to make another map that's just gonna create more drama? And what's really going on with all these high-profile meetups between Democrats and Black lawmakers? Are they just being honest about wanting to protect Black votes or is there something else at play? And let's be real, why do Republicans have to be so harsh about it? Can't we all just get along and make a map that doesn't hurt anyone? This whole thing reeks of politics as usual...