On Oct. 19, a federal court declared the initial legislative map crafted by Democratic lawmakers behind closed doors to be unconstitutional.

Earlier this year, Republicans filed a lawsuit, McConchie v. Illinois, asking the courts to review the legislative maps crafted by Democratic lawmakers, noting that the original proposal was drawn without the use of comprehensive Census data and drawn by party politicians. 

Under the ongoing case, a federal court granted the motion for summary judgment filed by the Republican caucuses and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), declaring that the Democratic map (Public Act 102-2210), passed by the Democratic majorities and signed by Gov. Pritzker, violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The court has declared a remedial phase concluding the court has the duty to determine and approve any legislative map going forward. Said another way, the court has seized control of the state’s redistricting process from the Governor and the Democratic majorities.

This ruling validates the concerns of Senate Republicans and other advocacy groups regarding the Democrats’ unconstitutional attempt to gerrymander Illinois’ legislative districts. State Senator Syverson says he looks forward to being part of a process that is constitutional and inclusive of all Illinoisans.