Democrats Lose Court Ruling for Second Consecutive Year

Courtroom and gavel

Courtroom and gavel, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event, Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison, Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments, Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship, Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party, Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has declined to revisit the state’s congressional district maps, keeping them in place for the upcoming midterms. This marks the second consecutive year Democrats failed to challenge the current boundaries. As a result, their ability to influence redistricting will remain limited. Democratic groups have claimed that the map violates the state constitution’s guarantee of equal treatment and have requested redrawing.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event

Courtroom and gavel, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event, Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison, Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments, Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship, Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party, Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

These requests followed a court order to redraw legislative maps, which led to gains for Democrats. Both districts, under the current boundaries, have continued to favor Republican candidates.

Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison

Courtroom and gavel, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event, Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison, Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments, Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship, Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party, Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

Democratic groups led by Marc Elias’s Elias Law Group and the Campaign Legal Center petitioned to revise maps drawn by Gov. Tony Evers, arguing they violate equal representation. The Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected the petitions in a 4-3 decision.

Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments

Courtroom and gavel, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event, Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison, Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments, Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship, Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party, Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

Democratic U.S. Representative Mark Pocan said, “It’s good that Wisconsin has fair maps at the state level, but we deserve them at the federal level as well.”

Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship

Courtroom and gavel, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event, Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison, Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments, Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship, Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party, Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

Pocan added, “Unfortunately, gerrymandered maps for members of Congress will remain in Wisconsin.”

Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court

Courtroom and gavel, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event, Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison, Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments, Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship, Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party, Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

Republicans control six of Wisconsin’s eight U.S. House seats, with only two districts seen as competitive. The state Supreme Court approved the maps in 2022, and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld them.

Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party

Courtroom and gavel, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event, Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison, Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments, Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship, Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party, Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

Democrats have little chance to change Wisconsin’s congressional maps before the elections, with Justice-elect Susan Crawford’s August swearing-in unlikely to shift the court’s stance.

Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

Courtroom and gavel, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices at debate event, Reproductive rights rally at Capitol in Madison, Justice Jill J. Karofsky during oral arguments, Congressmen Gallagher and Pocan discuss bipartisanship, Security outside the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford speaks at election night watch party, Sam Hirsch comments at Supreme Court hearing

Republican redistricting efforts in Texas and Ohio, combined with Wisconsin’s court decision, limit Democrats’ chances to gain House seats before the elections.

Laura Mitchell covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

Post Related