The recent decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which declined to hear two lawsuits aimed at redrawing congressional district maps, might fly under the radar but could play a significant role in the 2026 midterm elections.
The court, which has a liberal majority, chose not to review challenges from Democrats who sought to modify the current district layouts. This decision is seen as a boost for Republicans, as they strive to maintain their slim House majority in the upcoming elections.
In particular, Republican Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil may find their seats more secure without the threat of new maps that could have made their races more competitive. Analysts believe that altering the districts could have benefitted Democrats, especially in those two key congressional areas.
Political analyst Jacob Rubashkin noted that a change in the map could have helped Democrats gain ground in those districts, making them more viable for the party. While he acknowledges this as a setback for Democrats, he also points out that many opportunities remain for them to compete in various races across the country, including Wisconsin.
Democrats, however, are optimistic and feel they can still capture both seats. They argue that Van Orden and Steil are vulnerable due to their voting records, especially on issues like Medicaid and tariffs that they claim are burdensome to Wisconsin families.
On the other hand, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is confident that the court’s refusal to redraw maps signifies that voters will reject what they see as a radical and out-of-touch agenda from Democrats when they head to the polls.
Looking beyond Wisconsin, while the state’s district lines remain intact for now, changes might occur in other states ahead of the 2026 elections. Overall, Republicans are preparing for a tough battle as they aim to secure 218 seats necessary to keep control of the House.
