GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Gov. Tony Evers visited Green Bay on Tuesday for the first stop of his statewide “Fair Maps Tour.”
Evers signed Wisconsin’s new legislative district maps into law Monday. He proposed them and the Republican-controlled Legislature approved them to avoid having the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court draw the lines. Democrats called it a major political victory.
Since 2011, Republicans have been operating under maps they drew — long recognized by experts as among the most gerrymandered in the country. Evers said the new maps are designed to make races equal.
“Under these maps, the people will be able to elect Republican majorities, or Democratic majorities, or even split legislatures if you want. But the most important part is Wisconsinites decide this. That’s how elections should work,” Evers said during his appearance at Hinterland.
Democrats are predicted to pick up seats under the new maps. 15 incumbents in the State Assembly will be forced to run against another incumbent with the new maps, while another six incumbents will run against each other for State Senate.
“This is the first time in over 50 years that Wisconsin will have fair legislative maps enacted through the legislative process, rather than through the courts,” said Evers.
One local district expected to change is Senate District 30. Under the new maps it will center on Green Bay, Ashwaubenon and De Pere. It previously extended north to Marinette.
Comments