ICYMI: Rhonda Belford: Democrats Can't Fight for Democracy in Texas While Undermining it in Illinois

August 7, 2025

Rhonda Belford: Democrats can’t fight for democracy in Texas while undermining it in Illinois

Gov. JB Pritzker is once again talking about gerrymandering — just not in Illinois.

. . .

Don’t forget that in 2021, Pritzker signed one of the most blatantly and aggressively gerrymandered congressional maps in the country, drawn and passed by his own party. The map created districts with lines that make my grandchildren’s scribblings look like Pablo Picasso’s.

That map gave Democrats a clear advantage in 14 of Illinois’ 17 congressional districts and earned an “F” for fairness from the nonpartisan Princeton Gerrymandering Project. The maps weren’t an accident. They deliberately cut out two Republican-leaning seats and helped lock in Democratic control.

It’s a stark contrast from when Pritzker was on the campaign trail. He promised to veto any map that was “in any way drafted or created by legislators, political party leaders and/or their staffs or allies.” Pritzker campaigned with a message of hope and fairness and moving past Democrats’ history of corruption. Then, at his first opportunity, Pritzker broke that promise without hesitation. “Fairness” wasn’t on Illinois Democrats’ minds.

Now, as he positions himself to run for president, Pritzker is outraged. While standing on his giant soapbox and projecting his moral authority, he floated the idea of redrawing even more favorable maps in Illinois. That’s not democratic leadership; it’s partisan gamesmanship.

. . .

Illinois families deserve better. They deserve fair representation, not districts drawn in backrooms to silence opposition and insulate power. When maps are rigged to favor one party, voters lose faith in our elections and our country’s founding principles.

Click here to continue reading.

Latest News

Gov. Kemp: July Net Tax Revenues Down 2.7%

From: Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp
August 8, 2025
ATLANTA - The State of Georgia’s net tax collections for the first month of FY 2026 totaled $2.49 billion, for a decrease of $70.1 million, or 2.7%, from July 2024 (FY 2025), when net tax… Read More

Gov. Kemp Announces 114 Appointments to Boards, Authorities, and Commissions

From: Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp
July 31, 2025
Atlanta, GA - Governor Brian P. Kemp on July 31 announced 114 appointments and reappointments to various state boards, authorities, and commissions. Georgia Composite Medical Board Srenni… Read More

Gov. Kemp: Pilgrim's to Build New Prepared Foods Facility, Creating 630 New Jobs in Walker County

From: Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp
July 24, 2025
ATLANTA - Governor Brian P. Kemp On July 24 announced that Pilgrim’s, one of the world’s leading food companies, will invest $400 million to expand its footprint in Georgia. The company… Read More

Gov. Kemp Announces TCSG, USG Sign First Articulation Agreement Since Passage of Top State for Talent Act

From: Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp
July 23, 2025
ATLANTA - Governor Brian Kemp On July 23 announced that the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia (USG) signed an articulation agreement to help nursing… Read More

Statement From Chairman Josh McKoon

July 22, 2025
In a proactive effort to support the recovery process, our legal counsel initiated communication with the Receiver, who is diligently working to sort through the records related to First Liberty's… Read More