Overview
- The three-judge circuit panel, which ruled Tuesday, said it cannot overrule a congressional map enacted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
- The order said the judges were not endorsing the map and made clear only the high court can decide if new districts are required.
- The ruling makes it very likely the current 6-2 Republican map will remain in place for the 2026 election, even with a possible appeal.
- Democrats, represented by Elias Law Group, argued the 2011-derived lines followed a “least change” approach that packs Democrats into two seats and splits other Democratic areas.
- The case was the first test of a 2011 three-judge panel process, and a separate business-led challenge is set for trial in April 2027.