Chicago City Wire

Brian Kasal, President of Northside Republicans, said the Illinois Supreme Court’s refusal to even hear the gerrymandering case is a blatant evasion of duty that demonstrates how politically compromised the court has become. Kasal made his statement to Chicago City Wire

"The Illinois Supreme Court's refusal to hear the gerrymandering challenge denies voters a chance at fair electoral maps," said Kasal. "By focusing on timing rather than substance, the court sidestepped serious constitutional questions. The decision shields partisan interests instead of upholding democratic principles. This outcome sends a message that political favoritism can override the rule of law."

According to Capitol News Illinois, the Illinois Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by House Republicans challenging the 2021 legislative maps. The court, which is controlled by Democrats, ruled that the Republicans had waited too long to file their case. The Republicans argued that they needed to wait through multiple election cycles before filing, but this claim was deemed unconvincing by the court. They contended that the maps were gerrymandered, lacked compactness, and favored Democrats, citing admissions and data including a failing grade from the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. Previous similar efforts have also been dismissed. In response, Republicans plan to pursue reforms outside the courts, such as initiating a new petition drive for a redistricting referendum and advocating for judicial ethics reform.

In 2021, the Princeton Gerrymandering Project published a report on its website giving the Illinois 2021 state House legislative map an "F" grade for compactness. This assessment was based on metrics evaluating how geographically tight and contiguous districts are. The organization uses mathematical models to compare district shapes against neutral baselines. Their analysis indicated that more than 50% of Illinois House districts were less compact than a district invalidated by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1981. The report also identified signs of partisan bias in the map, supporting Republican claims that districts were drawn to favor Democratic candidates.

Kasal resides in Chicago's 43rd Ward and was appointed President of Chicago's Northside Republican Club in 2021. According to their website, he is focused on increasing Republican voter turnout, expanding party membership, and communicating party positions on issues relevant to voters on Chicago's Northside.