SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker says Illinois lawmakers stand ready to respond if Indiana Republicans pass their new congressional map. Although it isn't a surprise since House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tried to get Illinois Democrats to pass a new map this fall.
Indiana senators could vote on the new congressional map as soon as Thursday, but many Republicans are uncomfortable taking that vote.
"Members of the Indiana legislature are being threatened," Pritzker said Tuesday. "Their lives are being threatened, and it's being egged on by the President of the United States."
Democrats across the country have called on Illinois Democrats to redraw the congressional districts to counter Republican states.Â
Illinois currently has 14 Democrats and three Republicans in Congress, but some believe there could be a 15-2 split by eliminating a north Central Illinois GOP district.
"Governor Pritzker is leaving behind a trail of broken promises and failed policies as he seeks to elevate himself on the national level," said Rep. CD Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville). "He is clearly more interested in scoring political points in Washington DC than he is in working to end the culture of corruption in Illinois."
Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation have previously said they firmly support a new map to level the playing field, safeguard free elections and defend the state against "Republican extremists."Â
"We'll see whether we need to take action or not, but we won't stand idly by," Pritzker said. "We will, in fact, stand up for the rights of the people, not just of the state of Illinois, but for the nation."
It's unknown right now if Democratic leaders would call a special session to pass a new map or wait until the General Assembly returns to Springfield in 2026.
"Candidates have approached voters throughout 17 gerrymandered congressional districts, getting their signatures on a petition, submitting that these voters believe these candidates should stand for them and appear on the ballot," said Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria). "If we pursue this type of action, the rights of those voters will be flushed away."
The Indiana Senate Elections Committee approved the new congressional map on a 6-3 vote, with one Republican and two Democrats opposing the plan.
WAND News will have the latest updates on air and online if the map passes out of the Indiana Senate.
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