GOP Legislature adopts Gov. Evers' voting maps, redistricting battle nearing an end

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The political battle over redrawing Wisconsin's voting maps could be nearing an end after the GOP-controlled Legislature adopted a map drawn by Gov. Tony Evers.

The Assembly and Senate passed Evers' map after the state Supreme Court called on the Legislature to redraw the new legislative boundaries after determining the current ones are unconstitutional.

Tuesday's vote is significant because the stakes are high for both Republicans and Democrats. Under Evers' map, Republicans’ majority would shrink and give Democrats a shot of picking up more seats in the Legislature after GOP lawmakers have maintained control of both chambers since 2012.

Redistricting experts have also concluded Evers' map is the most competitive for Republicans.

This marks the second time Republicans tried to bypass the court and pass new maps. Evers vetoed the last attempt which included tweaks to his map to protect GOP incumbents.

Last week, Evers vowed to sign his maps if there were no changes. His spokeswoman posted on X that his position has not changed.

During debate on the bill, Republicans said they felt this was their last best option because they feared the state's high court could pick a different map that could be even more problematic for their party.

"I'm going to vote for these maps because the process that's underway in the state Supreme Court certainly doesn't appear it's going to take our arguments seriously," said Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville). "We kind of have a gun to our head."

Democrats overwhelmingly voted against the bill. Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) said she doesn't trust Republicans after they approved Evers' map proposal and prefers having the court adopt one instead.

"I would like to see the courts do their job and finish this process," Johnson said. "It kind of makes you wonder why all of a sudden our colleagues are deciding these are the maps for them…I just don't trust them."

The Senate approved the maps 18-14 with nine Democrats and five Republicans voting no.

Other Democrats expressed concerns with a provision added to the bill that would prevent any special election or recall attempt from occurring until after the November election.

"The provision Republicans snuck in there to not have these maps take effect until November should be top of the governor's mind when he talks to lawyers on what the best path forward is," said Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit).

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said one positive about passing the bill is that it would end a costly legal battle.

“I think our members realize we’ve been dealt a very difficult hand,” Vos said. “I have said from the very beginning that I think we can win under the maps presented because we have better candidates, a better message."

He added, "Today is the end of a long, expensive journey for the taxpayers of Wisconsin."

The bill passed the Assembly 63-33.