Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed new legislative district maps, proposed by him and passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, to avoid judicial intervention from the liberal-leaning state Supreme Court. Evers emphasized the importance of fair representation in a swing state like Wisconsin, where Democrats have often succeeded in statewide elections despite Republican legislative dominance. The signing marked a significant political win for Democrats, who have long contested the Republican-drawn maps, deemed among the nation’s most gerrymandered.
The new maps are expected to favor Democrats, potentially leading to gains in both the state Assembly and Senate. Following a decade of unsuccessful attempts by Democrats to challenge the maps, a shift in the state Supreme Court composition provided them with a winning opportunity. The court’s ruling in December deemed the existing maps unconstitutional due to issues of contiguity, prompting the need for new maps.
Various proposals were considered, with consultants identifying those from the Legislature and a conservative law firm as partisan gerrymanders. Ultimately, the court had four Democratic-drawn maps to choose from. With a looming deadline from the state elections commission, the Legislature passed Evers’ maps, acknowledging the lack of better alternatives. However, some Democrats remained skeptical, fearing manipulation by Republicans.
Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer hailed the end of gerrymandering in Wisconsin, despite her reservations about the specific maps. Republican leaders begrudgingly acknowledged Evers’ victory, foreseeing a more competitive political landscape.
Nevertheless, concerns lingered regarding the immediate implementation of the new maps and their impact on special or recall elections. Governor Evers sought clarification from the state Supreme Court on this matter.
The new maps would result in several incumbent clashes in both the Assembly and Senate, though predominantly affecting Republican-held seats. Litigation over redistricting continues across multiple states, reflecting broader national concerns.
Democrats have also petitioned the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review congressional district lines, citing the precedent set by the ruling on state legislative maps. This legal maneuvering underscores the ongoing partisan battles over electoral boundaries.
