The Wisconsin Supreme Court rejects Democrats’ attempt to redraw congressional maps, boosting GOP prospects in 2026.

State Supreme Court Sides With Existing Congressional Maps

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has declined to take up two lawsuits filed by Democrats aiming to redraw the state’s eight congressional districts ahead of the crucial 2026 midterm elections. The liberal-majority court issued its decision without comment late last month, leaving current district boundaries in place for the upcoming vote.

The lawsuits sought to change the electoral map in a way that could have made two of Wisconsin’s six Republican-held seats—Districts 1 and 3—more competitive. With the court’s rejection, Republican Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil are likely to retain a greater degree of electoral security in their respective districts, both considered among the most contested in the state.

Political analysts say the decision could significantly influence the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Jacob Rubashkin of Inside Elections noted that every seat matters in a closely divided House, and new maps in Wisconsin could have provided Democrats with critical pickup opportunities. “It’s a setback for Democrats, but certainly not an insurmountable one, as the party has plenty of offensive opportunities around the country and even in Wisconsin,” Rubashkin explained. He emphasized that the 3rd District remains one of the nation’s most competitive, and the 1st could become competitive depending on candidate strength and political climate.

Partisan Reactions and National Implications

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) responded with renewed criticism of Van Orden and Steil, accusing both lawmakers of supporting policies that hurt Wisconsin families. DCCC spokesperson Katie Smith argued that voters are dissatisfied with the representatives’ records and predicted Democratic gains next year.

Republicans, however, celebrated the court’s move as a rebuke to what they described as partisan mapmaking. NRCC spokesman Zach Bannon called the decision a “bipartisan rejection of the radical Democrats’ desperate and politically motivated attempt,” predicting voters would similarly reject the Democratic agenda at the polls.

While the Wisconsin map will remain unchanged for 2026, redistricting may still occur in other battleground states such as Ohio and Utah. According to Rubashkin, these changes could shape the broader national struggle for control of the House, as both parties compete to reach the critical threshold of 218 seats.

The court’s decision underscores the high stakes of the midterm elections, with Wisconsin once again playing a pivotal role in determining the balance of power in Congress. As the 2026 campaign ramps up, both Democrats and Republicans are likely to focus significant resources on the state’s most competitive districts.