Republicans expressed skepticism over Gov. Tony Evers’ proposal for a constitutional amendment to ban gerrymandering in Wisconsin, gaveling in but immediately postponing the special session he called on April 14.
But unlike past gavel-in-gavel-out special sessions called by Evers, the legislature is keeping open the possibility of negotiating a ban to the practice that provides a significant partisan advantage to the party in power when district maps are redrawn after the census at the beginning of each decade.
The wording in Evers’ resolution was vague in specifics, simply stating that “districts shall not provide a disproportionate advantage or disadvantage to any political party” and that “partisan gerrymandering is prohibited.”
Gerrymandering allows the party in power to redraw maps every ten years. As long as those maps meet certain criteria, they can give that party an overwhelming edge that can virtually ensure their majorities going forward. In 2010, when Republicans owned all three branches of government, they took full advantage and created what many deemed the most partisan maps in the country, giving them majorities in both chambers well out of proportion to the demographic makeup of the state, where most statewide elections are decided by a couple of percentage points.
‘They are making disingenuous claims …’
In 2024 the State Supreme Court ruled the maps unconstitutional and ordered them redrawn. The result has been a major downward shift in Republican majorities in the Senate and the Assembly that much better aligns with the state’s voter demographic. But if either party holds all three branches when the new maps are to be redrawn in 2031, Wisconsin may return to overtly partisan and gerrymandered maps. Evers’ resolution would take that matter out of their hands.
By not gaveling out, Republicans are leaving open the possibility of negotiations toward a ban on the practice, but Evers said the issue is clear.
“Lawmakers either want to ban partisan gerrymandering in Wisconsin or they don’t. It’s that simple,” he said. “If lawmakers fail to take a public vote on this basic question, then Wisconsinites have no choice but to assume their lawmaker’s position on this issue.”
Rep. Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton) expressed frustration, though not surprise, at Republican actions on Tuesday. She was not buying their hints at good-faith negotiations.
“Per usual, the Republican side of the chamber was empty as their members did not bother to show up to work,” she said. “The procedural move made today by Republican leadership was to gavel in for the special session and then adjourn until (Thursday). They are making disingenuous claims that they are leaving it open to negotiate. The Governor made clear again today that he will not entertain discussion on a bill around legislative maps – his bottom line is a constitutional amendment.
“I will remain here in Madison until after 10 a.m. Thursday in case Republicans try any additional procedural mischief.”
Movement for an Independent Redistricting Commission
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) suggested leaving the special session open would allow public input, saying, “redistricting is a core legislative power and any changes to the current process have to be made intentionally and specifically using normal legislative procedure.”
While the details of Evers’ resolution remain undisclosed, a constitutional amendment to ban the practice of gerrymandering would first require the legislature to pass the proposed amendment in two consecutive sessions before placing it on the ballot for voters to choose.
There is also a separate movement underway by the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition and Common Cause to create an Independent Redistricting Commission, which would remove the power of map drawing from the hands of legislators. Twenty-one states currently use some form of an IRC to draw their maps every decade.
Snodgrass said it’s time that Republicans stop fighting to maintain a partisan advantage and start working for the voters.
“Let’s just do the jobs the fine people of Wisconsin elected us to do,” she said in a social media post. “Put our butts in seats in the Capitol and get to work on reducing costs for families. Lower property taxes, fund public schools, reduce the costs of childcare and healthcare, and fund Knowles-Nelson (for land and water conservation.
“So many things left undone while the GOP in the Senate and Assembly fight amongst themselves.”
