IL GOP Takes Redistricting Hit

The Hill reports

Triggering Republican outcries, Democrats have put at least half a dozen House GOP seats into play by redrawing Illinois’s congressional map.

The new House districts were released Friday and resulted in a rare joint statement, issued by all 11 Republican members of the delegation, condemning the plan.

Republicans now enjoy an 11-8 edge over their Democratic counterparts in Illinois, which includes five GOP freshmen, but the new map — which could be legally challenged — will likely shift the delegation’s balance of power.

Several members of the delegation told The Hill they plan on running for reelection, but a slew of questions remains.

Illinois law doesn’t require a member to live in the district he or she represents, which could be a factor, given that many Republicans now find themselves living in more Democratic-friendly areas.

Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) took the biggest hit. The seven-term lawmaker saw her district cut into bits and pieces, with parts of it ending up in Rep. Mike Quigley’s (D-Ill.) district, formerly represented by now-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

If she doesn’t want to face the two-term Democrat, she could run in the new 11th district, which is also where freshman Rep. Randy Hultgren (R) could run. Both lawmakers saw parts of their old districts end up in the newly drawn 11th.

Biggert’s office has voiced doubt that Friday’s map will hold up.

Biggert “does not believe that this map will stand, and she has every intention of running again,” spokesman Zachary Cikanek said in an email.

Hultgren could face a primary challenge from fellow freshman Republican Joe Walsh, who also got drawn into the district.

Democrats already have a candidate for the 11th. Former Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) said Tuesday he is running for the seat. The original holder of the 11th district, freshman Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R), had his home drawn into the district held by longtime Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

Kinzinger is said to be gearing up for a run in the newly drawn 16th district. Livingston County Republican Party Chairman John McGlasson told the Decatur Herald-Review that Kinzinger “has called to say he intends to run for election in our new district.”