Wisconsin Senate Attempts to Pass New Legislative Map before State Supreme Court
Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Senate is making a second attempt to pass a new legislative map before the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court does so. This move comes after the Legislature's previous attempt was vetoed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers. The previous map, which was based on Governor Evers' proposals but included changes to protect Republican incumbents, was not acceptable to him.
However, this time around, GOP legislative leaders are considering passing the Evers maps without any alterations. When asked if he would sign his own maps, Governor Evers responded with a nonchalant 'Why not?' but expressed doubt that the Legislature would actually approve them.
The stakes are high in this presidential battleground state, where Republicans have held a strong grip on the Legislature since 2011, despite Democrats winning statewide elections, including the governorship in 2018 and 2022.
Consultants hired by the Wisconsin Supreme Court recently stated that the maps submitted by the Republican Legislature and a conservative law firm were gerrymandered. However, they did not raise any concerns about the four Democratic-drawn maps, including one submitted by Governor Evers. The question of constitutionality has been left up to the state Supreme Court.
Analyses of the Evers maps suggest that if implemented, they would significantly reduce Republican majorities in the Legislature. Currently, Republicans hold a 64-35 majority in the Assembly and a 22-10 majority in the Senate.
The consultants further determined that the four remaining maps were nearly identical and that either the court or they themselves could make adjustments to enhance how well the maps meet certain criteria, such as contiguity, political balance, and the preservation of communities of interest.
To meet the deadlines for candidates running for office in November, the state elections commission has stated that the new maps must be in place by March 15.
This battle over redistricting is not unique to Wisconsin. Litigation continues in more than a dozen states regarding U.S. House and state legislative districts that were enacted after the 2020 census.
Additionally, Democrats have asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to consider a challenge to the state's congressional district lines. They argue that the court's decision to order new state legislative maps opens the door to challenging the congressional map. Currently, Republicans hold six of the state's eight congressional seats.
The outcome of this redistricting saga in Wisconsin will not only shape the political landscape in the state but also have broader implications for the balance of power in the upcoming elections. As the battle unfolds, both parties are closely watching to see how the state Supreme Court will handle this contentious issue.
