Springfield Democrats this morning released their proposed map of new Illinois congressional districts, and though it came out a little earlier in the day than expected, it generally follows lines that have been rumored for months, with all Democratic incumbents protected but GOP congressmen Adam Kinzinger of Channahon and downstater Rodney Davis endangered.
Overall, the map, from the Illinois House and Senate redistricting committees, appears to create 14 districts the Democrats are favored to win and only three for Republicans. That’s an increase of one for Democrats but a decrease of two for Republicans, with the GOP eating the seat the state will lose as a result of the 2020 Census.
The map does not create a new Hispanic district on the North Side of Chicago as some have wanted but instead continues to combine Hispanic areas on the North and South sides by wrapping around in a U shape a district similar to that now represented by Democrat Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.
It also keeps three majority-Black districts, but how big the African-American majority is was not immediately clear.
Kinzinger’s district would be essentially dismembered, with GOP areas of his current duisrtricty moved into downstate, mostly Republican districts and Democratic pockets combined with upstate Democratic districts.
Davis’ district would be converted into a skinny Democratic-tilting district in which he might have a difficult time winning re-election.
One big question now is how Davis and Kinzinger will respond.
The Democratic-dominated Illinois General Assembly is expected to consider and approve a new map in its veto session, which begins Tuesday.
More to come.
