Wisconsin GOP retains state legislative control even after gerrymandering is reversed
The Republican Party of Wisconsin is projected to hold control of both chambers in the state legislature, holding onto legislative control even after the state Supreme Court overturned GOP-gerrymandered, “anti-democratic” maps.
The Republican Party of Wisconsin is projected to hold control of both chambers in the state legislature, holding onto legislative control even after the state Supreme Court overturned GOP-gerrymandered, “anti-democratic” maps.
The Associated Press called the races in favor of the GOP at 3:23 a.m. CST.
Republicans instituted maps in 2012 that were widely considered some of the most gerrymandered in the nation — and then doubled down in 2022. Despite Gov. Tony Evers (D) winning over Republican Tim Michels 51.2% to 47.8%, Republicans held 69% of the seats in the Senate and 65% of the seats in the House.
With that power, Wisconsin Republicans frequently made national news with extreme actions and statements. They introduced numerous culturally sensitive, anti-LGBTQ bills aimed at blocking gender-affirming care for minors and banning transgender athletes from girls’ sports teams. They also attempted to make the state’s then-near-total abortion ban even more extreme by increasing penalties on doctors. In January, when debating a 14-week abortion ban, Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) controversially said that he knew more about reproductive health care than anyone in the room because he was a veterinarian (there were numerous women in the room.)
When liberal Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz was elected last year, giving the court the necessary majority to overturn the gerrymandered maps, Republican state leaders threatened to immediately impeach her for it.
Still, Wisconsin is an electorally diverse state; Vice President Kamala Harris only lead over former President Donald Trump by an average of 0.4 percentage points, according to RealClearPolling. The Republican Party still had optimism throughout the election cycle that they could keep control.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who had a 16% approval rating in November 2023, will likely keep his leadership position. Senate Leader Devin LeMahieu will also likely keep his.
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