State of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Redistricting Challenge (Democratic Voters)

Hunter v. Bostelmann

Lawsuit filed in federal court by individual Democratic voters challenging Wisconsin’s congressional and legislative district maps following the release of 2020 census data. The complaint argues that, due to political gridlock between Wisconsin’s governor and Legislature, reapportioned maps will not be enacted in time for 2022 elections. The suit asks the court to declare the current maps unconstitutional and implement new maps that adhere to the constitutional requirement of one person, one vote. The Wisconsin Legislature, plaintiffs in the impasse lawsuit filed in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, five Republican congressmen and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) were granted intervention in the case. The case was consolidated with Black Leaders Organizing for Communities v. Spindell. The case was paused while the Wisconsin Supreme Court considered impasse litigation filed there. This lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed after new maps were adopted though the state court impasse lawsuit.

During the early stages of the case, the Wisconsin Legislature filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to intervene in and stop this case. The petition argued that the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, which previously denied motions to dismiss and stay the case, lacks jurisdiction over the case and is allowing a “premature” lawsuit without proper standing to continue forward. The Court denied the petition.

 

Case Documents (district court)

Case Documents (U.S. Supreme court)

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