As Governor JB Pritzker once again tries to raise his national profile by weighing in on political debates in other states, his latest comments on redistricting are drawing sharp criticism back home. Senate Republicans say the governor has no credibility on the issue after breaking a major campaign promise and rigging Illinois’ elections to protect his party’s power.

On the campaign trail, Pritzker pledged to support independent redistricting and veto gerrymandered maps, but once in office, he reversed course. In 2021, he signed partisan maps drawn in secret by Democratic lawmakers. Republicans say the maps were designed to protect Democratic control, not ensure fair representation.

Critics say Pritzker is now faking outrage over fairness while inserting himself into redistricting debates out of state. After setting the standard for partisan manipulation in Illinois, they say his calls for fairness ring hollow and appear more focused on political advantage than principle.

Republicans argue that if the rules only matter when his party benefits, it was never about voters or fairness. Instead of correcting the damage already done, Pritzker appears ready to double down. They say Illinois families deserve a transparent redistricting process, not more political games from Springfield.