Wisconsin Supreme Court Rejects Democratic Challenges to Congressional Maps for 2026 Midterms

The Wisconsin Supreme Court, controlled by a 4-3 liberal majority, has unanimously rejected two lawsuits brought by Democrats seeking to redraw the state's congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats argued that the current maps, which were drawn under Republican control and approved by the court in previous years, unfairly favor Republicans and violate the state constitution's equal representation requirements. Despite Democratic hopes that new, friendlier boundaries could help them flip two Republican-held seats, the court declined to reconsider the maps without explanation, marking the second time in two years the challenges have been dismissed. Republicans currently hold six of Wisconsin's eight U.S. House seats, though only two districts are considered competitive. The lawsuits were filed by the Elias Law Group and the Campaign Legal Center, both asserting that the maps disadvantage Democratic voters. The decision is viewed as a significant setback for Democrats' efforts to regain control of the House and underscores ongoing partisan tensions over redistricting in this battleground state.