Democrats Gain Power to Redraw Wisconsin’s Congressional Districts

In a significant political shift, Democratic control of Wisconsin’s state government has opened up new opportunities for redistricting. Gov.-elect David Crowley has expressed his readiness to approve a bill establishing new congressional voting districts if it is presented by Democratic lawmakers.

Previously, Democrats relied on judicial avenues to challenge district maps due to lack of legislative control. However, the recent election outcomes, where Democrats secured both houses of the Legislature and retained the governor’s office, have empowered them to initiate redistricting without court intervention. The courts were once the party’s primary route to achieving fair maps, but with the new legislative majorities taking office in January, Democrats are positioned to independently pass a new congressional map. Click here for more information about the new majorities.

In a recent interview with WISN-TV’s UpFront, Crowley confirmed the legislative path is viable. “When it comes down to this, if the bill was to reach my desk, I will sign it,” Crowley stated.

State Senate Democratic Leader Diane Hesselbein emphasized the party’s commitment to responsive governance. “Democrats are united in making sure our government is more responsive to the people, which includes ensuring our Congressional districts are not rigged and that every vote is equal in our presidential elections,” she stated. Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer has not yet commented on the matter.

Are fair maps in the eye of the beholder?

Since 2011, Republicans have maintained a majority in Wisconsin’s House districts, prompting ongoing Democratic efforts to alter district lines. Options such as nonpartisan commissions have been discussed, and legal challenges have highlighted the need for districts that better represent Wisconsin’s politically balanced nature.

The Democratic victories, including flipping two House seats, offer a new strategy: creating a map that favors Democrats. Professor Robert Yablon from the University of Wisconsin Law School noted, “In recent years, they’ve only had two out of eight seats, and so they would presumably prefer a map where four seats is more of the norm rather than the exception.”

Previously, President Donald Trump encouraged Republican-led states to redraw district lines to maintain a House majority. The recent Democratic success has sparked discussions about adopting similar tactics. Hesselbein suggested a strategic response might be necessary, as quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

John Johnson of Marquette University Law School mentioned the potential for Democrats to create a favorable map by redistributing voters in Milwaukee and Madison. “I have no reason to think that if they were going to draw new maps, that they would stop with just changing two of the districts,” Johnson remarked, suggesting a comprehensive redistricting effort might be on the horizon.