From time to time, ill-informed lists of the “worst gerrymanders in America” come out. Illinois’s 4th district is frequently among them. Though it does have an odd shape, this #DistrictOfTheDay is an example of a good gerrymander, as it keeps Chicago’s Latino community unified.

Chicago is a diverse city, and Latinos make up about 28% of the city. That community is concentrated in the southwest side and the northwest side, which don't clearly border. A push in the early 1990s for a majority-Latino district succeeded, creating this modern district.

In 1992, Luis Gutiérrez won the new district easily. He stuck around for a long time, and was one of the most progressive members of the Illinois delegation. Gutiérrez was an advocate of LGBT rights and workers’ rights, in addition to supporting Puerto Rican independence.

When he finally retired in 2018, he was succeeded by Cook County Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” García (D–Chicago). García was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. as a permanent resident in 1965. He earned his citizenship in 1977. Much like his predecessor, he is a fierce progressive.

IL-04 is about 68% Hispanic, and has historically been one of the most Democratic districts in the state. Hillary Clinton carried it by 69 points in 2016, though I imagine Joe Biden did worse. If so, slippage here shows Dems’ problems with Latinos weren’t just in rural areas.

When it comes to redistricting, looks can be deceiving. IL-04 keeps a community that would be split apart united. Though derided as an “earmuffs” district that epitomizes the weaponizing of democracy, it’s actually an excellent example of line-drawing being a tool for good.