Jeffries brings redistricting push to Illinois; sources say local Democratic leaders not biting

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois Democrats are taking a closer look at redrawing congressional maps. It comes at the request of U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who came to Illinois Monday for a series of meetings.

There is some urgency to the request.

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Jeffries met in Chicago with some state lawmakers, along with members of Congress, who would be impacted by the proposed remap. According to one state senator, it could be something brought up during the veto session this week.

The meeting brought together current members of Congress whose districts could be redrawn, including Jonathan Jackson; Robin Kelly, who coordinated the meeting; Lauren Underwood; and Danny Davis. It was described as a conversation about how to respond to President Donald Trump's push to have red states remap to boost the number of Republicans in the House where they hold a razor-thin margin.

"This is unprecedented stuff to undermine the ability of the American people to participate in a free and fair election, which is why Democrats, on behalf of the American people, need to respond decisively," Jeffries said.

But redrawing Illinois' congressional map to increase the Democrats' majority from 14-to-3 to 15-to-2 would impact four districts currently held by African Americans, raising concerns about the Black vote being diluted.

"If a map is produced that dilutes Black votes, the Black Legislative Caucus have articulated that that is something that they're not going to be able to support," said state Sen. Willie Preston, a Democrat who represents Chicago and and the southwest suburbs.

A proposed new map has reportedly been circulating for a week. A few lawmakers have seen it; although, Jeffries did not share any map in Monday morning's meeting. But he offered assurance.

"We are completely and totally committed to making sure that African American representation and Latino representation in the great state of Illinois is preserved," Jeffries said.

"We are committed to working together to make sure that we can take a majority back. This is the only path forward for the Democratic Party and to save the nation," said Rep. Jackson, a Democrat who represents the South Side of Chicago.

Republicans strongly oppose any redistricting, saying Illinois already has some of the worst gerrymandered districts in the country.

"Trump won almost 44% of the vote, and we only have representation for three Republican seats. I think they would find that some of their existing seats would be at risk," House Republican Leader state Rep. Tony McCombie said.

What's not clear from Monday's meeting is if, or when, any new maps could be drawn up and voted on.

"So, that's something I think we're all going to have to look at during the process here. But it doesn't have to happen during veto session, could happen after that," Gov. JB Pritzker said.

Leader Jeffries traveled to Springfield Monday afternoon for a meeting with Senate President Don Harmon, as well as House Speaker Chris Welch.

Sources are suggesting there is very little interest among local Democratic leaders in redrawing the congressional maps.

But they are keeping all options on the table.

Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun called Monday for state lawmakers to return to Indianapolis for a special session to redraw the state's congressional boundaries, escalating a national fight over midcycle redistricting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.