Wisconsin’s judicial system is grappling with two significant lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the state’s congressional districts. The first hearings held by state judicial panels on Friday suggest that these legal battles may not reach a conclusion until after the 2026 midterm elections.
Despite both lawsuits being spearheaded by liberal legal teams, they diverge significantly in their arguments and proposed timelines for resolution.
Democratic Firm Pushes for New District Maps Before 2026
The national Democratic firm Elias Law Group, representing Wisconsin voters, has filed a lawsuit claiming that the state’s congressional districts have been gerrymandered to favor Republican candidates in six out of eight districts. Elias Attorney Julie Zuckerbrod has proposed a two-phase schedule, aiming to implement a new map before the 2026 elections. Read more about the lawsuit.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission has expressed the necessity of finalizing the map by March 1, a timeline contested by attorneys for the state’s Republican congressmen and the GOP-controlled Legislature. Zuckerbrod argues, “it’s absolutely possible,” citing the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s 2023 decision that swiftly addressed similar legislative map issues. Learn more about the 2023 decision.
Law Forward Consents to 2027 Trial for Incumbent-Favored Map
In contrast, Law Forward, representing Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy, has agreed to a timeline extending beyond the 2026 midterms, with a trial date set for March 29, 2027. This lawsuit contends that the map unfairly benefits incumbents.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge David Conway acknowledged the extensive timeline due to limited resources, stating, “We do not have the resources of federal court judges. We don’t have a full staff of clerks, and we’re going to need time to work across county lines to make decisions together.” Judge Julie Genovese indicated that her panel might adopt a similar timeline.
Republican Attorneys Seek Dismissal of Lawsuits
Republican representatives have already moved to dismiss both lawsuits, arguing that the current map, enacted by the Supreme Court’s former conservative majority in 2022, is beyond the jurisdiction of circuit court judges. This argument has been refuted by attorneys from both Elias Law Group and Law Forward. Read about the Supreme Court’s role.
Nationwide Redistricting Efforts Intensify
The lawsuits in Wisconsin are part of a broader trend of redistricting efforts across the United States, as states attempt mid-decade redistricting to influence the 2026 elections. For instance, Texas, at the behest of President Donald Trump, has recently enacted a new House map to strengthen Republican districts. Meanwhile, California is redrawing its districts to improve Democratic prospects. Explore Texas’s redistricting efforts and California’s strategy.
Recently, Indiana witnessed a bipartisan effort to reject a map favoring GOP dominance, as some Republicans joined Democrats in opposition. Read more about Indiana’s decision.
