SPRINGFIELD – U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was in Illinois Monday, meeting with members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and Black members of the state’s congressional delegation in Chicago. Later in the day he was in Springfield to meet with the House Speaker and the Senate President.
While the New York congressman told reporters his talks with the two leaders were “positive” and focused on “the need to keep all options on the table and respond decisively,” State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) said the proposal is absolutely ridiculous, adding the last thing Illinois needs is a remap.
In 2021, Illinois lawmakers enacted one of the most partisan gerrymanders in the country. Republicans have been relegated to just 18% of the state’s congressional seats despite President Donald Trump winning 43.5% of the statewide vote in 2024.
