Wisconsin Court Takes on Redistricting Fight

A group of business leaders in Wisconsin has asked the state’s highest court to review a decision that dismissed their challenge to congressional district lines. The group, which calls itself Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy, claims the current map unfairly favors incumbents and limits voter choice. They hoped to speed up the review so new boundaries could be ready for the 2028 election, but the court said it would follow normal appellate procedures instead. The Supreme Court, which has a narrow liberal majority, agreed to hear the appeal but rejected the request for an accelerated schedule. In its order, the court said it would apply standard rules unless it later changes them. Two conservative justices wrote separately to express disagreement. They argued that allowing the appeal might be an overstep and questioned whether the business group actually has standing to challenge the map.The lawsuit is notable because it uses a 2011 state law that requires certain challenges to be handled by panels appointed by the Supreme Court. That same law limits appeals of panel decisions to the Supreme Court itself. A prior three‑judge circuit court panel said it had no authority to decide the case without further input from the Supreme Court. Another similar case was also dismissed by a different panel earlier this year. The business leaders’ main claim is that the district design creates an “anti‑competitive gerrymander. ” They say it locks in outcomes that discourage new candidates and reduce voter participation. Currently, Republicans control six of Wisconsin’s eight congressional seats. The group wanted the Supreme Court to act before its term ends in June, hoping for a change by August when the court’s composition will shift slightly.