In a move that sets the stage for a showdown in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Governor Tony Evers announced on social media platform X that he plans to veto a redistricting proposal passed by the Republican-controlled Assembly. The Republican-drawn maps, which closely resemble those proposed by Governor Evers with some changes to reduce the number of GOP incumbents facing each other, have been deemed as more partisan gerrymandering by critics.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court, currently under liberal control, recently declared the current Republican-drawn maps as unconstitutional. The court made it clear that if the legislature failed to reach an agreement with Governor Evers on new maps, they would take the responsibility of drawing new districts themselves.

The political stakes are high in Wisconsin, a key battleground state in presidential elections. Since 2011, Republicans have maintained their firm grip on the state legislature, despite Democrats emerging victorious in statewide elections, including the governorship in 2018 and 2022.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican who previously expressed openness to passing maps proposed by Governor Evers, defended the decision to pass the Senate's version with some alterations on Wednesday. Vos claimed that the changes were made to make the maps "slightly more fair".

Governor Evers, however, remains firm in his opposition to the Republican-backed proposal. He emphasized that allowing GOP-gerrymandered incumbents to maintain their seats through redistricting is simply more gerrymandering, and he will use his veto power to reject the maps.

Democratic Minority Leader Greta Neubauer condemned the Republican effort, stating that drawing maps to protect incumbents goes against the desires of Wisconsin voters who seek fair representation from their elected officials.

Despite the last-minute attempt by Republicans to secure Governor Evers' approval, he did not engage with them on the proposed maps. During a news conference, Vos expressed disappointment, claiming that Republicans had already made significant concessions to accommodate the governor's requests. He reiterated that the Legislature's purpose was to fulfill their duty in passing a plan, rather than circumventing the court's authority.

Republican lawmakers who would be affected by the Evers' map pleaded their case, indicating their intention to run for reelection in their new districts if necessary. Vos argued that under the Governor's proposed maps, 30 Republicans would be pitted against each other, compared to only two Democrats. He claimed that the boundaries were strategically drawn to favor Democratic candidates.

The Republican-backed proposal passed the Assembly with a 63-35 vote, with all Republicans in support and Democrats in opposition. The legislature aimed to meet the February 1 deadline for consultants hired by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to submit their recommendations for new boundary lines. The consultants are currently reviewing six separate maps from various sources, including the proposals from Governor Evers, Republicans, Democrats, and others. The court will ultimately decide whether to adopt one of these maps or create their own, unless a compromise is reached between the Legislature and the Governor.

With a supermajority in the Senate and a solid majority in the Assembly, Republicans have managed to maintain their legislative advantage since redrawing the maps in 2011. The upcoming battle in the Supreme Court will determine the extent to which they can hold on to their power in Wisconsin's political landscape.