MADISON, Wis. (NEWSnet/AP) — A Washington law firm that tries to help Democrats win elections has asked Wisconsin Supreme Court to reject the state's congressional maps.
The lawsuit filed Tuesday by Elias Law Group on behalf of Democratic voters comes less than a month after the court removed the state legislative maps. Consultants hired by the court are reviewing seven proposed new maps.
Wisconsin Supreme Court said the court was wrong in 2021 to say that maps drawn should have as little change as possible. The new lawsuit says that decision warrants replacing the congressional district maps that were drawn under the “least change” requirement.
Using the “least change” approach resulted in congressional maps that “perpetuated and exacerbated the partisan unfairness that has robbed Wisconsin voters of fair congressional districts for over a decade,” said Abha Khanna, an attorney with Elias Law Group.
Six of the state's eight congressional seats are held by Republicans. In 2010, the year before Republicans redrew the maps, Democrats held five seats compared with three for Republicans.
Western Wisconsin's 3rd District is represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who won an open seat in 2022 after longtime Democratic Rep. Ron Kind retired.
Southeastern Wisconsin's 1st District, held by Republican Rep. Bryan Steil since 2019, was made more competitive under the latest maps but still favors Republicans.
Both seats have been targeted by national Democrats.
State elections officials have said new maps must be in place by March 15 in order for candidates and elections officials to adequately prepare for the Aug. 13 primary. Candidates can begin circulating nomination papers on April 15.
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