The Wisconsin Supreme Court, with a 4-3 liberal majority, declined to hear two lawsuits filed by Democrats seeking to overturn the state’s current congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This decision, issued without explanation, is a setback for Democrats aiming to gain ground in the U.S. House by challenging Republican-dominated districts. The plaintiffs, represented by the Elias Law Group and Campaign Legal Center, argued that the maps violate the state constitution’s guarantee of equal treatment and should be reconsidered, especially following the court’s earlier move to redraw state legislative districts. Democrats believe fairer congressional maps could make at least two of the six Republican-held districts more competitive, particularly the 1st and 3rd districts.

The current maps, drawn initially by Democratic Governor Tony Evers but approved by the then-conservative-majority court, were allowed to take effect after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in 2022. Despite Democrats flipping some seats after the legislative redistricting, the congressional map remains unchanged, frustrating party leaders like Rep. Mark Pocan. Republicans currently hold six of the state’s eight U.S. House seats. While Democrats remain optimistic about a favorable environment in 2026, recent polling shows Republicans gaining ground, with an 8-point lead on the generic congressional ballot. This represents a swing from earlier polls in May and April where Democrats had narrow leads. Still, Democrats hope to recreate the momentum of the 2018 “blue wave” in the midterms, even as historical patterns suggest challenges for the party in power during such elections.