Fact check: When was the last time illinois was gerrymandered.

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Illinois was last gerrymandered in 2021 following the 2020 census ^{[1] [2] [3]}. The congressional districts were redrawn during this redistricting cycle, resulting in a map that heavily favors Democratic representation with Democrats holding 14 seats and Republicans holding only 3 ^[1].

The Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave Illinois' 2021 congressional map an 'F' grade, indicating the districts are "very uncompetitive relative to other maps that could have been drawn" and provide a "significant advantage to Democratic incumbents" ^{[2] [1] [3]}. This failing grade from an academic institution specializing in redistricting analysis provides objective evidence that the 2021 maps constitute gerrymandering.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the political dynamics surrounding Illinois' 2021 redistricting:

• Governor JB Pritzker defended the redistricting process, claiming it was conducted through "a public process at the end of the census" ^[4]. This represents the Democratic Party's official position that the maps were drawn fairly and transparently.
• Republicans have consistently argued that the maps deny them proportional representation in Congress, suggesting the districts were deliberately drawn to minimize Republican electoral success ^[4].
• The redistricting occurred within a broader national political context where redistricting became "a central issue in Democratic politics," with Democratic leaders criticizing Republican redistricting efforts in states like Texas while simultaneously implementing their own favorable maps ^{[5] [6]}.

Who benefits from different narratives:

• Democratic Party leadership and incumbents benefit from downplaying gerrymandering claims, as they maintain their electoral advantages
• Republican politicians and conservative organizations benefit from highlighting Illinois gerrymandering to counter criticism of their own redistricting efforts in red states
• Academic institutions like Princeton benefit from positioning themselves as neutral arbiters of fairness in redistricting

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is neutral and factual, simply asking for a date. However, the framing could potentially minimize the ongoing nature of gerrymandering's effects. The question treats gerrymandering as a discrete historical event rather than an ongoing electoral reality that continues to impact representation until the next redistricting cycle in 2031.

Additionally, the question doesn't acknowledge that gerrymandering in Illinois has been a recurring issue across multiple redistricting cycles, not just a one-time occurrence. The sources suggest this is part of a pattern of partisan map-drawing that extends beyond the 2021 redistricting ^{[5] [7]}.