NW Illinois News

State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) has criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s decision to welcome Texas Democrats who have left their state to avoid participating in redistricting duties. Chesney, a Republican elected in 2023 to represent the 45th Senate District, voiced his concerns regarding what he described as inconsistent behavior by the governor.

“JB Pritzker blatantly lied to the people of Illinois when he campaigned on a promise to veto gerrymandered maps, then promptly signed the most outrageously partisan maps in the country into law. Now, in a move that is rich with hypocrisy, he’s rolling out the red carpet for Texas Democrats who fled their own state to dodge redistricting duties. You can’t make this stuff up.

“If anyone’s qualified to teach a masterclass on how to draw maps for political gain, it’s Governor Pritzker. He went from ‘fair maps’ Governor candidate to backroom dealmaker without a blink of an eye, disenfranchising millions of Illinoisans and wiping out electoral competition in the process. His sudden sympathy for lawmakers skipping out on their responsibilities is as fake as his campaign promises.

“Until we have a complete leveling of the playing field regarding map-drawing in Illinois, it is nice to see Texas Republicans beating Democrats at their own game.”

Chesney succeeded Brian Stewart as senator for Illinois' 45th District following his election in 2023.