Wisconsin Voters Challenge Unconstitutional Congressional Map
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 7, Elias Law Group attorneys representing a group of Wisconsin voters filed a new lawsuit challenging the state’s congressional district map as an illegal partisan gerrymander under the Wisconsin Constitution, as well as a violation of separation of powers principles.
The lawsuit argues that Wisconsin’s current congressional map unlawfully cements in place for another decade the Republicans’ 2011 partisan gerrymander, posing an ongoing threat to the rights to equal protection, free speech and association, and free government guaranteed by the Wisconsin Constitution. The current gerrymandered map has reduced Democrats’ share of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to just two seats – the lowest in 70 years – despite Democratic candidates consistently earning more than half of the statewide vote.
The complaint also argues that the illegal congressional map, which was drawn pursuant to a “least change” principle the Court has since rejected, independently violates the Wisconsin Constitution’s separation of powers principles that mandate judicial independence and partisan neutrality.
“Wisconsin voters deserve congressional districts that ensure all voices and viewpoints are fairly represented,” said Elias Law Group partner Abha Khanna. “Unfortunately, Wisconsin’s current congressional map has unfairly rewarded Republicans with a significant electoral advantage and will continue to do so for the remainder of the decade. Wisconsin voters should not have to endure another election cycle under unconstitutional district lines, and we are proud to represent voters who are calling on the court to strike down this illegal map.”
“Wisconsin’s congressional map is antithetical to virtually every principle necessary to sustain a representative democracy. It impermissibly disadvantages voters based on their political views and partisan affiliation, systematically disfavoring Democrats because they are Democrats,” the lawsuit argues.
The lawsuit calls for the adoption of a new congressional map consistent with Wisconsin redistricting principles in time for the 2026 midterm elections.
Read the full lawsuit here.
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