Illinois Democrats have released a much-anticipated map of new congressional districts.
The new map shows the state with 18 U.S. House districts after it lost one of its seats because of slowing population growth in the latest census.
The congressional map is a chance for Democrats to try to neutralize Republicans who captured a number of U.S. House seats in the last election.
The proposed map squeezes districts into new shapes and some Republicans will find themselves drawn into districts with other incumbents.
The proposed congressional map was the last piece of the redistricting puzzle for Illinois Democrats. They have already released proposed new state House and Senate districts. Democrats are in charge of the process because they control the state Legislature and the governor's office.
