Following a liberal majority’s reinstatement on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2024, progressive groups have filed two lawsuits with the court to challenge the state’s congressional district map. The suits aim to revise the map before the 2026 election, seeking to shift the current 5-3 Republican advantage in Wisconsin’s U.S. House delegation toward a more balanced representation.

Lawsuit Details

The Campaign Legal Center’s lawsuit argues the map violates population equality and improperly splits counties. A second suit, supported by attorney Marc Elias, claims the map constitutes partisan gerrymandering, reducing Democratic voting power. The current map, redrawn in 2021, includes districts like the 1st (Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Janesville) and 3rd (Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien), which Democrats target for reconfiguration.

Political Context

Redistricting was a key issue in the 2024 Supreme Court race, with Justice-elect Susan Crawford’s campaign highlighting the need for fairer maps. Republicans, including Chairman Brian Schimming, argue the lawsuits are politically motivated, defending the existing map as compliant with legal standards.

Potential Impact

A redrawn map could alter Wisconsin’s congressional balance, potentially giving Democrats a 5-3 edge. With the court’s liberal majority secured through 2028, the state may become a focal point for national redistricting debates, influencing U.S. House control.

Next Steps

The lawsuits await court review, with outcomes likely shaping electoral strategies and voter representation in Wisconsin for years to come.