Kinzinger—an outspoken critic of Trump who remains popular among many Republicans—could have faced an uphill battle against conservatives in a Republican primary, although the new district would be safely Republican in a general election.

He said that he understands that redistricting is being used “everywhere” by both parties to strengthen their grip on Congress ahead of the 2022 midterms. But he still questioned why Democrats drew him into a more difficult district while accusing them of “specifically” targeting him.

“When Democrats do say they want Republican partners to tell the truth, and then they specifically target me, it makes you wonder,” he said.