Pritzker: Fair maps in Illinois would be 'disarming' to Democrats

Pritzker: Fair maps in Illinois would be ‘disarming’ to Democrats

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Democrats would be “disarming” if they agreed to fair maps state by state.

Pritzker was asked Wednesday about the Fair Maps Illinois initiative to establish a redistricting commission.

“I think having an independent commission is a good idea. It has to be done on a national basis, though. It can’t be done state by state. We’d be unilaterally disarming as Democrats if we did that,” Pritzker said.

Fair Maps Illinois is a nonpartisan effort led by two of former President Barack Obama’s Cabinet members. The bipartisan coalition is pushing for a 2026 ballot referendum on a constitutional amendment to establish a redistricting commission.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for South Suburban College’s Allied Health & Nursing Center in South Holland, Pritzker was asked if he would oppose Fair Maps at the state level.

“No, I think that they have not yet put forward what their final language is and decided exactly how this will go forward,” Pritzker answered.

Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood launched Fair Maps Illinois on Tuesday.

The governor did not offer support, although he said he respects LaHood.

“I would hope that included in that language of the referendum amendment would be language that would enact an independent commission when all of the states have enacted an independent commission,” Pritzker said.

The Illinois Republican Party offered a response to Pritzker’s comments.

“Don’t forget that in Illinois, Republicans get just 17% of seats with 44% of the vote. We all know that J.B. Pritzker only does what’s best for J.B. Pritzker. Get off your soapbox and lead, Governor,” an Illinois GOP spokesperson said in a statement.

Constitutional attorney Michael Dorf was asked about ballot language at the Fair Maps launch in Chicago on Tuesday.

“The language that the commission submits to the Secretary of State ends up being the language that goes on the ballot,” Dorf said.

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, expressed support for Fair Maps Illinois.

“For decades, Illinois voters have been silenced by heavily gerrymandered maps that let politicians choose their voters instead of the other way around. Although past attempts to reform the system were blocked by the Democratic majority, a new initiative launched this week marks a promising step forward,” McCombie said in a statement.

McCombie said Illinois needs an independent redistricting process that amplifies voters’ voices and strengthens democracy.

“Since the Governor failed to keep his promise to the people of Illinois, the Fair Maps Illinois Initiative now stands as our best path toward meaningful change,” McCombie said.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

New-Lenox-School-122.2

New Lenox D122 Board Approves Tentative Budget, Sets September Public Hearing

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has approved a tentative budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, maintaining its long-standing practice of balanced budgets funded by existing cash...
New-Lenox-Township-Food-Pantry

New Lenox Township Food Pantry Reports Record Demand in May

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Township Food Pantry experienced a record level of need in May, serving 431 families and 1,107 individuals, according to a report at the June...
NL-VB-July-28

New Lenox to Dedicate Street Honoring Pope Leo XIV, Citing Deep Local Ties

NEW LENOX – The Village of New Lenox is celebrating its unique connection to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, by...
New-Lenox-School-122.7

D122 Renews Insurance Policies for Nearly $490,000

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has renewed its property/casualty and worker's compensation insurance policies for the 2025-2026 school year, with total costs amounting to nearly $490,000....
new-lenox-township.2

New Lenox Township Addresses Cemetery Needs, Appoints New Liaison

NEW LENOX – New Lenox Township is turning its attention to the care and potential expansion of its cemeteries, an effort that will be spearheaded by a newly elected trustee....
New-Lenox-Village-Board.2

New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini Retires; Sgt. David Nykiel Promoted in Leadership Transition

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Police Department is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Police Chief Louis Alessandrini retires after 20 years with the village, celebrated with an emotional...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.15.28-PM

Monee to Receive $250,000 Donation in Solar Project Agreement

Article Summary: The Village of Monee will receive a $250,000 donation from TPE IL W1202, LLC, after the Village Board authorized a community benefit agreement for a planned 5-megawatt solar...
new-lenox-park-district.6

New Lenox Park District Board Approves 2025-2026 Budget

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during its regular meeting on June...
New-Lenox-School-122.6

Staffing Shortage Leads D122 to Renew Contract for School Psychologist

Facing a persistent staffing shortage for a critical role, the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has renewed its contract with an outside agency to provide a school...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Township for June 12, 2025

At its June 12 meeting, the New Lenox Township Board of Trustees heard reports on rising demand for community services, discussed ongoing maintenance projects, and assigned responsibilities to its newly...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.4

New Lenox Approves Major Residential Subdivision, Paves Way for Route 6 Commercial Growth

NEW LENOX – The Village Board took decisive action on two major developments Monday, giving final approval to a 55-lot residential subdivision for "empty nesters" and clearing a key hurdle...
New-Lenox-Sharons-Bay-Park

Contractor Selected for Sharon’s Bay Park Redevelopment

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District is moving forward with plans to redevelop Sharon's Bay Park, having approved a contractor for the project at its Wednesday meeting....
New-Lenox-Sharons-Bay-Park

Contractor Selected for Sharon’s Bay Park Redevelopment

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District is moving forward with plans to redevelop Sharon's Bay Park, having approved a contractor for the project at its Wednesday meeting....
New-Lenox-School-122.5

Handbook Changes at D122 Include Swapping PSAT for PreACT

Students in New Lenox School District 122 will see several changes in the upcoming school year, as the Board of Education approved updates to the 2025-2026 Parent/Student Handbook that affect...
New-Lenox-Police.3

New Dining Options Coming as Village Approves Hot Dog Stand, Restaurant Patio

NEW LENOX – The local dining scene is set for a boost after the Village Board on Monday approved plans for a new hot dog stand and an outdoor patio...