Fact check: When were illinois congressional districts last set?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Illinois congressional districts were last set in 2021. Specifically, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the new congressional districts into law on November 23, 2021 ^[1]. This redistricting followed the 2020 census, which is the standard constitutional requirement for redrawing congressional maps every decade ^[2].

The 2021 redistricting was particularly significant because Illinois lost a congressional seat due to population decline identified in the 2020 census ^{[2] [3]}. The Democratic-controlled legislature drew the new map in a way that edged out two Republicans and formed a new Democratic-leaning district ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual elements:

• Political controversy: Republican lawmakers criticized the 2021 redistricting process ^[4], suggesting the maps were drawn with partisan advantage in mind
• Current political dynamics: There are ongoing discussions about potential mid-decade redistricting in response to similar efforts in other states, particularly Texas Republicans' rare mid-decade redistricting plan ^{[4] [1]}
• Gerrymandering implications: The redistricting process involved strategic map-drawing that benefited Democrats by eliminating Republican seats ^[3]
• Ongoing political relevance: Governor Pritzker has kept redistricting "on the table" as a response to redistricting efforts in other states ^{[5] [4]}, indicating this remains an active political issue

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward factual inquiry about timing. However, the question's simplicity omits the highly partisan nature of the redistricting process and the ongoing political maneuvering around potential future redistricting efforts.

The analyses reveal that redistricting remains a "large focus" for political parties ^[6], suggesting that while the technical answer is 2021, the political battle over district boundaries continues to be relevant in current Illinois politics.