Wisconsin's Supreme Court Friday struck down state legislative maps, which Democrat challengers criticized as "extreme partisan gerrymanders," and ordered new maps in time for the 2024 election, reports show.
Newly-elected liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz sided with the 4-3 majority opinion that was widely celebrated by Democrat lawmakers in the state.
"This is a win for Wisconsin voters and democracy," said Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI). "Voters should always decide their elected officials - not the other way around."
"It’s a new day in Wisconsin," wrote state Rep. Greta Neubauer. "Today, the Wisconsin Supreme Court confirmed what we all already knew: the GOP’s maps are unconstitutional. This is a monumental win for Wisconsin and our democracy."
Republican state lawmakers had threatened to impeach Protasiewicz if she took part in redistricting review of because she had already revealed her opinion that the maps were "rigged" on the campaign trail.
However, in recent days, state House Speaker Robin Vos admitted such a move — which would have allowed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to appoint a replacement anyway — was not going to happen.
Former Republican aide Ron Filipkowski noted Wisconsin legislature Republicans consistently win less than 50 percent of the statewide vote yet were able to engineer supermajorities.
"That may finally be coming to an end," he wrote.
Attorney and satellite talk radio host Qasim Rashid added that those supermajorities kept Democrats at 35 percent of representation despite winning up to 51 percent of the popular vote.
"Fair maps mean a whole new Wisconsin legislature built on the will of the people," Rashid said. "This is great news."
Commenters on X were quick to celebrate the ruling.
"Elections matter," wrote attorney and political commentator Bradley Moss.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS WISCONSIN," posted Milwaukee-based columnist Dan Shafer. "WE’RE GETTING NEW MAPS!"
