Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly released an outline of their proposed new legislative map on Friday, and if it passes it could mean significant changes for Vermilion County’s representation in Springfield.
Under the new proposal, State Representative Mike Marron would no longer represent residents living south of Westville, as that area would shift to the 102nd District, currently represented by Brad Halbrook. However, Halbrook and Chris Miller’s 110th District are both being changed, meaning a newcomer will likely need to run for the new 102nd District.
Marron, who was chosen to replace Chad Hays after he stepped down in 2018, will still represent a majority of Vermilion County residents, including those living in Danville, Fithian, Muncie, Oakwood, Tilton and Westville, along with Rantoul and Savoy in Champaign County.
State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City will continue to serve northern Vermilion County in the 106th District. His nephew, State Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign, will continue to represent residents in the 52nd District, consisting of Marron and Carol Ammons’ House districts.
Democrats and Republicans are having opposite reactions to the maps. Democrats praised the new map as achieving an equitable result.
“Redistricting is about making sure all voices are heard, and that’s exactly what this map accomplishes,” State Senator Omar Aquino says. “This is a fair map that reflects the great diversity of our state and ensures every person receives equal representation in the General Assembly.”
Republicans, meanwhile, are opposed to the new redistricting map.
“This new state legislative map, drawn in secret by politicians, has been engineered to maximize the power of the Madigan Machine,” wrote Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy. “The politicians’ map degrades our democracy and fundamentally removes power from the people to fairly choose their representatives.”
The new map will go before House and Senate committees next week before being voted on.
