Story perspectives

Wisconsin Supreme Court Reviews Controversial Gerrymandering Lawsuits

9/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered briefs within 14 days on two lawsuits challenging Wisconsin's congressional map as partisan and anti-competitive gerrymanders ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley dissented, arguing the 2011 law enabling circuit panels to review Supreme Court decisions is unconstitutional.
The majority offered no rationale. Justice Annette Ziegler warned of potential partisan manipulation in redistricting.

History

Historical Context

In 2011, Wisconsin's Republican-controlled legislature enacted a controversial redistricting plan that significantly favored their party, leading to accusations of gerrymandering. This practice has been challenged in courts, echoing historical debates over electoral fairness. In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that partisan gerrymandering claims are nonjusticiable, leaving states to address these issues independently, impacting future electoral processes.

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Story summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered briefs within 14 days on two lawsuits challenging Wisconsin's congressional map as partisan and anti-competitive gerrymanders ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley dissented, arguing the 2011 law enabling circuit panels to review Supreme Court decisions is unconstitutional.
The majority offered no rationale. Justice Annette Ziegler warned of potential partisan manipulation in redistricting.

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