U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries visited Illinois Monday to meet with members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and Black members of the state’s congressional delegation in Chicago. Later, he traveled to Springfield to meet with House Speaker and Senate President.
Jeffries described his discussions with the legislative leaders as “positive”, noting they focused on “the need to keep all options on the table and respond decisively.”
However, State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) criticized the proposal, calling it “absolutely ridiculous” and asserting that Illinois does not need another congressional remap.
Illinois lawmakers enacted a highly partisan redistricting plan in 2021, which has left Republicans with just 18% of the state’s congressional seats, despite President Donald Trump receiving 43.5% of the statewide vote in 2024.