Wisconsin Congressional Map Challenge Dismissed by Judicial Panel

Judges rule they lack authority to supersede state Supreme Court decisions on redistricting.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary state capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The dismissal of a challenge to Wisconsin's congressional map highlights the ongoing partisan battles over redistricting across the country.Today in Milwaukee

A three-judge panel in Wisconsin has dismissed a challenge to the state's congressional map, ruling that they lack the authority to rule on the matter. The panel, consisting of judges from Dane, Outagamie, and Milwaukee counties, cited a lack of proper guidance from the Wisconsin Supreme Court in their 18-page ruling.

Why it matters

The dismissal of this case is the latest development in the ongoing nationwide battle over redistricting, with Republican- and Democratic-led states fighting to redraw congressional maps to their advantage. The Wisconsin map has been a point of contention, with the GOP-controlled legislature drawing new maps that were vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

The details

The lawsuit, filed by 11 Wisconsin residents last July, alleged that the state's congressional map violated the separation-of-powers doctrine and resulted from 'unlawful partisan gerrymandering.' The Wisconsin Supreme Court had appointed the three-judge panel to the case in November. However, the panel ultimately ruled that they lacked the authority to 'supersede decisions' of the state's high court.

  • The lawsuit was filed in July 2025.
  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court appointed the three-judge panel in November 2025.
  • The panel dismissed the case on March 31, 2026.

The players

Julie Genovese

A judge on the Dane County Circuit Court and member of the three-judge panel that dismissed the congressional map challenge.

Emily Lonergan

A judge on the Outagamie County Circuit Court and member of the three-judge panel that dismissed the congressional map challenge.

Mark Sanders

A judge on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court and member of the three-judge panel that dismissed the congressional map challenge.

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who vetoed the new congressional maps drawn by the GOP-controlled legislature.

Zach Bannon

The central regional press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee, who called the ruling a 'significant win for Republicans.'

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What they’re saying

“By keeping Wisconsin's current district lines in place for 2026, Republicans are in a strong position to build on our momentum to retain and grow our House majority.”

— Zach Bannon, Central Regional Press Secretary, National Republican Congressional Committee

What’s next

The dismissal of this case is likely to be appealed, potentially leading to further legal battles over Wisconsin's congressional map. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing partisan battles over redistricting across the country, with both Republicans and Democrats fighting to gain an advantage in the drawing of congressional maps. The Wisconsin case underscores the complex legal and political issues at play, and the potential for these disputes to continue to play out in the courts.