The political fallout from Texas Democrats’ walkout over election legislation continues to ripple through statehouses nationwide, with Republicans seizing the moment to advance aggressive redistricting plans. On Chicago’s Morning Answer, Dan Proft spoke with Washington Free Beacon editor Collin Anderson about how the standoff has energized GOP efforts in states like Florida and Texas, while also sparking fresh scrutiny of Illinois’ gerrymandering practices.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is exploring not only redrawing the state’s congressional map but also adding a new seat, citing alleged undercounting in the 2020 Census. DeSantis says recent state Supreme Court rulings require correcting racial gerrymandering and believes updated districts would yield “fairer representation” for Floridians. This approach, Anderson noted, is part of a broader “arms race” in which Republicans—thanks to control of more state legislatures—stand to benefit more from nationwide redistricting battles than Democrats.
In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton is pursuing possible legal action against former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, who used his political action committee to support the lawmakers’ flight from Austin. Paxton contends such fundraising violated court orders restricting travel-related aid to legislators engaged in quorum-busting. The controversy comes alongside new Texas rules imposing $500 daily fines on lawmakers who leave the state to block legislative business.
Anderson also highlighted Illinois as an example of extreme gerrymandering, pointing to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport being split between two congressional districts. Depending on the runway, arriving passengers may land in the 3rd District or the 5th District, with United Airlines operations sometimes straddling both. He argued this unusual split underscores how Governor J.B. Pritzker’s maps carve up the Chicago area for partisan advantage.
Turning to Pritzker’s national ambitions, Anderson said the Illinois governor’s wealth and combative political style could make him a factor in the 2028 Democratic primaries, though it remains to be seen whether his current profile will endure. Many potential contenders, he noted, are using moments like the Texas walkout to boost their national visibility, but the long-term political payoff is uncertain.