Fact check: When was the last time democrats used gerrymandering to redistrict

1. Summary of the results

The analyses reveal that none of the sources provide a specific date for when Democrats last used gerrymandering to redistrict. However, the sources do confirm that Democrats have engaged in gerrymandering practices in recent redistricting cycles. Illinois is specifically mentioned as a state where Democrats have been accused of "abusing gerrymandering to comical levels" ^[1]. Additionally, Democrats drew skewed maps in Illinois, New Mexico, and Oregon ^[2], though these gerrymanders are described as "far less reliable than those drawn by Republican counterparts, often resulting in competitive seats rather than safe districts" ^[2].

The sources primarily focus on current Republican redistricting efforts, particularly in Texas, where Texas Democrats are trying to prevent Republicans from redrawing the state's congressional districts ^[3] and have used walkout tactics to deny the state House a quorum ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial context about the ongoing nature of gerrymandering by both parties. The analyses reveal that Democratic officials in some states are talking of trying to sidestep redistricting commissions to counter Republican redistricting in Texas ^[5], indicating that gerrymandering is an active, contemporary issue rather than a historical one.

Historical precedent is also missing - the sources mention a 2003 incident where Texas Democrats walked out to protest a Republican-backed redistricting plan ^[6], providing context for current Democratic tactics. The question frames gerrymandering as if it's a past Democratic practice, when the reality is that both parties engage in gerrymandering as part of the regular redistricting process that occurs after each census.

Republicans benefit from framing gerrymandering as primarily a Democratic issue, while Democrats benefit from portraying themselves as victims of Republican gerrymandering rather than acknowledging their own participation in the practice. The sources suggest that Illinois Democrats and Democratic officials in other blue states continue to engage in gerrymandering practices ^{[1] [5]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit assumption that Democratic gerrymandering is a thing of the past by asking "when was the last time" Democrats used gerrymandering. This framing is misleading because Democrats continue to engage in gerrymandering in states where they control the redistricting process ^{[2] [1]}.

The question also fails to acknowledge the bipartisan nature of gerrymandering, creating a false impression that it's primarily or historically a Democratic practice. The sources clearly indicate that both parties participate in gerrymandering ^[5], with the current focus being on Republican efforts in Texas rather than Democratic cessation of the practice.

The timing of the question may be strategically biased, as it comes during a period when Republicans are actively redistricting in Texas, potentially deflecting attention from current Republican gerrymandering by focusing on past Democratic actions.