Fact check: Which blue state has been accused of the most egregious gerrymandering in the last decade?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Illinois emerges as the blue state most frequently accused of egregious gerrymandering in the last decade. The Gerrymander Project gave Illinois an F grade for its redistricting practices, and it is specifically cited as an example of a Democratic-majority state that has "responded to red states' gerrymandering with its own maps that skew districts in its favor" ^[1].

California is also prominently mentioned as engaging in gerrymandering activities, with Governor Gavin Newsom proposing new maps designed to give Democrats an advantage ^[2]. California Democrats are actively planning to "redraw their state's voting boundaries to win more Congressional seats" as part of what sources describe as a "redistricting arms race" ^[3]. However, California's gerrymandering efforts appear to be characterized more as retaliatory responses to actions by red states like Texas rather than initiating the practice ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important contextual factors missing from the original question:

• Gerrymandering is a bipartisan practice: While the question focuses solely on blue states, the sources consistently emphasize that both red and blue states engage in gerrymandering. Texas is repeatedly cited as a major perpetrator, with California Republicans arguing that "Texas started the gerrymandering arms race" ^[2].
• Reactive vs. proactive gerrymandering: The sources suggest that blue state gerrymandering is often presented as a defensive response. California's efforts are described as "retaliating with their own redistricting efforts" rather than initiating the practice ^[2].
• Reform efforts exist: Some states have implemented independent redistricting commissions to reduce gerrymandering, including Virginia and Arizona ^[1], providing alternative approaches to the problem.
• Legal challenges are common: Gerrymandering efforts face significant legal opposition, with lawsuits alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act and racial discrimination in redistricting ^[4].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains inherent bias by focusing exclusively on "blue states" and seeking to identify the "most egregious" example. This framing:

• Ignores the systemic nature of gerrymandering: The sources demonstrate that gerrymandering is a "systemic cycle of partisan manipulation of electoral districts" affecting both parties ^[1].
• Creates false hierarchy: By asking for the "most egregious" example among only blue states, the question implies that blue state gerrymandering is somehow more problematic than red state gerrymandering, despite sources showing both engage in the practice.
• Lacks comparative context: The question doesn't acknowledge that red states like Texas are simultaneously accused of equally egregious gerrymandering practices, with new congressional maps facing lawsuits for being "racially discriminatory" ^[4].

The framing benefits those who wish to portray gerrymandering as primarily a Democratic problem, when the evidence suggests it's a bipartisan issue requiring systemic reform rather than partisan finger-pointing.