Pritzker says redistricting Illinois could happen if Texas continues push
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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker listens as Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu speaks to reporters on Sunday. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called the Texas Democrats "heroes" at a joint press conference this morning in the Chicago area.
Why it matters: President Trump's push to redraw Texas' congressional map is designed to net the GOP up to five House seats — potentially enough to decide the majority for Trump's final two years in office.
- For many Democrats, this moment is an inflection point in the party's Trump-era identity crisis — one that could determine whether "fighters" or "folders" carry the torch into 2028.
- It's a battle that Pritzker looks ready to lead.
State of play: More than 50 Democratic lawmakers fled Texas on Sunday — fanning out to deep-blue Illinois, New York and Massachusetts — to prevent the GOP-controlled legislature from voting on the new map.
- Texas' Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened them with daily $500 fines, felony bribery charges if the fines are paid for by donations, and the possibility of removal from office.
- The Texas state House issued civil arrest warrants for the Democrats who fled the state, though the warrants are only enforceable inside Texas.
Driving the news: Tuesday's press conference featured Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman Ken Martin, Illinois and Texas state lawmakers and some of Texas' congressional delegation, including U.S. Rep. Al Green.
What they're saying: "Donald Trump is a cheater. So is Texas Gov. Greg Abbott," Pritzker said. "We've all got to stand up and do the right thing. Everything is on the table."
- "Democrats are fighting back," Martin said. "The Constitution is under assault. Now is not the time for one party to play by the rules while the other party has completely ignored it. They've decided to cheat, and we're going to respond in kind."
The big picture: Top Democrats in other states with majority-controlled legislatures are signaling they will join Pritzker in countering Texas Republicans.
- California Democrats are reportedly weighing new congressional maps that would redistrict five Republican-held seats.
- In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Democrats have "no choice" but to pursue a constitutional amendment to authorize new maps — though it wouldn't appear on the ballot until 2027 at the earliest.
Between the lines: Democrats are pursuing the narrative that this redistricting fight is a moral and existential fight for the future of not just elections, but the country.
- "This is about democracy," Green said. "This is about our country. We all have to get involved."
What's next: Pritzker says he hasn't supported the Texas Democrats financially, but also said he isn't opposed to doing it in the future.
- He also said he hopes the protest stops Texas from redistricting, so he doesn't have to redraw maps in Illinois.
- The governor could call a special session of the Illinois General Assembly to redraw maps as early as this month.