MADISON, Wisconsin — The Wisconsin State Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in a case that has the potential to overturn the state’s election maps. These maps, which were drawn in 2011 under former Republican Governor Scott Walker, have faced criticism from many Democrats who consider them to be the most aggressively gerrymandered in the country. Despite Democrats often winning statewide elections, the maps have helped the Republican Party maintain a large majority in both chambers of the state legislature.
The challenge to the maps gained traction with the appointment of a new liberal majority on the state Supreme Court. This development has drawn conservative criticism nationwide, even prompting the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal to write about a “Looming Judicial Coup in Wisconsin.” Democrats supported the election of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz to regain control of the state Legislature through a redraw of the political maps.
Former President Donald Trump took to his social media site, Truth Social, to condemn the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s involvement in the case. Sharing the Wall Street Journal editorial, he expressed his concern about “tremendous cheating” taking place in the state that he loves and urged Republicans to take action.
Wisconsin’s importance in national politics cannot be overstated, as it played a crucial role in the 2016 presidential election, with Trump winning it initially but losing it in 2020. Going into the upcoming 2024 election, Wisconsin is expected to play a substantial role, and its voters will be a critical voice in shaping the future of the country.
As the Wisconsin State Supreme Court considers the future of the state’s election maps, the case has generated significant attention. Advocates and critics of the existing maps eagerly await the court’s ruling, which could have far-reaching implications for political power dynamics in Wisconsin.