By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Democrats would be “disarming” if they agreed to fair maps state by state.

Pritzker was asked Wednesday about the Fair Maps Illinois initiative to establish a redistricting commission.

“I think having an independent commission is a good idea. It has to be done on a national basis, though. It can’t be done state by state. We’d be unilaterally disarming as Democrats if we did that,” Pritzker said.

Fair Maps Illinois is a nonpartisan effort led by two of former President Barack Obama’s Cabinet members. The bipartisan coalition is pushing for a 2026 ballot referendum on a constitutional amendment to establish a redistricting commission.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for South Suburban College’s Allied Health & Nursing Center in South Holland, Pritzker was asked if he would oppose Fair Maps at the state level.

“No, I think that they have not yet put forward what their final language is and decided exactly how this will go forward,” Pritzker answered.

Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood launched Fair Maps Illinois on Tuesday.

The governor did not offer support, although he said he respects LaHood.

“I would hope that included in that language of the referendum amendment would be language that would enact an independent commission when all of the states have enacted an independent commission,” Pritzker said.

The Illinois Republican Party offered a response to Pritzker’s comments.

“Don’t forget that in Illinois, Republicans get just 17% of seats with 44% of the vote. We all know that J.B. Pritzker only does what’s best for J.B. Pritzker. Get off your soapbox and lead, Governor,” an Illinois GOP spokesperson said in a statement.

Constitutional attorney Michael Dorf was asked about ballot language at the Fair Maps launch in Chicago on Tuesday.

“The language that the commission submits to the Secretary of State ends up being the language that goes on the ballot,” Dorf said.

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, expressed support for Fair Maps Illinois.

“For decades, Illinois voters have been silenced by heavily gerrymandered maps that let politicians choose their voters instead of the other way around. Although past attempts to reform the system were blocked by the Democratic majority, a new initiative launched this week marks a promising step forward,” McCombie said in a statement.

McCombie said Illinois needs an independent redistricting process that amplifies voters’ voices and strengthens democracy.

“Since the Governor failed to keep his promise to the people of Illinois, the Fair Maps Illinois Initiative now stands as our best path toward meaningful change,” McCombie said.