Illinois Democrats look to eliminate GOP House district

CHICAGO (AP) — Say goodbye to at least one of your GOP U.S. House members, Illinois.

The release of new, detailed census data means Democrats who control state government can begin the once-in-a-decade process of redrawing Illinois' congressional district boundaries. With the state losing a congressional seat due to population loss, they're certain to eliminate a district in heavily Republican areas of central and southern Illinois, where most of the losses occurred.

What remains to be seen is which Republican will be drawn out of his or her district — and whether the maneuvering will help Democrats keep control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2022 midterms. Republicans control redistricting in more states than Democrats, including in growing states such as Texas and Florida, and the GOP needs to pick up only five seats to win the majority.

“It's pretty much going to be a scratch ball game,” said Alvin Tillery Jr., an associate professor of political science and director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern University.

What's not in question is that one of Illinois' congressional districts currently held by a Republican — all five of which lost population between 2010 and 2020, according to the census — will become part of another GOP representative's district.

“I don't think there's going to be anything Republicans can do to stop that,” Tillery said.

Illinois currently has 18 congressional districts, with Democrats holding 13 House seats and the GOP controlling five. Under the new map they must draw 17 districts of roughly equal population.

Four of the Republican districts are in central and southern Illinois, and are held by Reps. Rodney Davis, Darin LaHood, Mike Bost and Mary Miller, who is in her first term. The fifth...