SPRINGFIELD, IL – House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) issued a strong rebuke following the passage of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 (HJRCA 28), legislation advanced by Illinois Democrats that would overhaul the state’s redistricting standards.
Windhorst criticized the measure as a blatant attempt to entrench partisan power by weakening longstanding constitutional principles governing legislative mapmaking.
“HJRCA 28 is not reform—it is a roadmap for more gerrymandering,” said Windhorst. “For decades, Illinois has followed clear standards requiring districts to be compact, contiguous, and equal in population. Democrats are now trying to replace those principles with a vague, politically driven framework that prioritizes their own power over fair representation.”
The proposal, introduced by House Speaker Chris Welch, would establish a new five-part framework for drawing legislative maps, reducing the importance of compactness and opening the door to increased use of race and other subjective criteria in mapmaking.
“If enacted, this amendment would permanently embed one of the most flawed and partisan redistricting systems in the country into our Constitution,” Windhorst said. “When politicians draw maps to protect themselves, voters lose their voice.”
Illinois has already faced national criticism for its redistricting practices. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project assigned Illinois an “F” grade for its legislative maps, while a 2023 report from Common Cause Illinois also gave the state an “F,” citing a lack of transparency and meaningful public input.
Windhorst also pointed to what he described as hypocrisy from Governor JB Pritzker, who campaigned on supporting fair maps and an independent redistricting process but ultimately signed partisan maps into law. Windhorst pointed out that Pritzker has been speaking out against gerrymandering in other states while ignoring the issue at home.
“You cannot claim to defend democracy in Texas while undermining it in Illinois,” Windhorst added. “Democrats continue to point fingers at others, but right here in Springfield, they are rigging the system to stay in power.”
As an alternative, Windhorst highlighted House Republicans’ proposal, HJRCA 5, which would establish a bipartisan, 16-member commission to draw legislative maps and unnest legislative and representative districts.
“Voters should choose their representatives. Politicians shouldn‘t be picking their voters,” Windhorst said. “I support a fair, transparent solution that restores trust in the process. Unfortunately, Democrats continue to ignore these reforms.”
Windhorst concluded by calling on Illinois residents to demand accountability and push for meaningful redistricting reform.
“The people of Illinois deserve fair maps, real transparency, and leaders who keep their word,” he said. “HJRCA 28 fails on all three counts.”
HJRCA passed the House on a partisan roll call with all Democrats voting in favor, and all Republicans, including Rep. Windhorst, voting no.