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.
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.
! 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 
.
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 
.
. 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 
.
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? 
, 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? 
. And what's with all this back-and-forth between politicians? Can't we just agree on something already? 
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 
. 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 
15th district sounds like a power play to me 
. Don't wanna see Black votes get diluted, period 
. The thing is, we need more ppl coming together to make this stuff happen 
. Maybe they should focus on making sure our votes actually count instead of trying to draw up more districts to control the game 