The decision, made by the court's new liberal majority in a 4-3 ruling, has set the stage for the redrawing of maps ahead of the 2024 elections.

The Republican-drawn lines, which have long been a contentious issue in the politically significant swing state, were criticized for their unfairness and rigging. This case marks the first major ruling by the court's liberal majority, which came into effect after Janet Protasiewicz won a seat vacated by a retiring conservative justice in April.

The court, aligned along ideological lines, has tasked state lawmakers with drawing new maps. However, if they fail to do so, the court reserves the right to step in and initiate a preliminary "remedial" map-drawing process. The decision has set a deadline for the new maps to be in place before the August 13 legislative primary elections.

The current legislative map has been widely regarded as one of the most gerrymandered in the United States. Despite Wisconsin being a politically divided state, Republicans have maintained disproportionate control, holding 64 of the 99 seats in the state Assembly and 22 of the 33 seats in the state Senate. Critics argue that this does not align with the close margins seen in recent presidential and gubernatorial elections.

The challenge to the map was based on its violation of the state constitution's requirement that districts be contiguous. The court's liberal justices agreed, stating that "at least 50 of 99 assembly districts and at least 20 of 33 senate districts violate this mandate, rendering them unconstitutional."

The ruling has generated significant implications beyond the maps themselves. It could potentially impact conservative laws enacted over the past decades in Wisconsin, a perennial battleground state. While the ruling may not immediately shift Republican control, it is likely to weaken their hold on the legislature, potentially aiding future efforts to reverse conservative policies on issues such as election administration, unions, and abortion.

The ruling has also reignited calls among Republicans to impeach Justice Janet Protasiewicz. Following her victory in April, conservatives alleged that her criticism of the maps during her campaign forecasted her biased ruling on the matter. However, former members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, consulted by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, advised against impeachment. Vos has recently indicated that impeachment is "not off the table."

The Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to declare the state's gerrymandered maps unconstitutional is being hailed as a game-changer by Democrats. They argue that the new maps must reflect the diversity and interests of communities across the state. Republicans, on the other hand, are considering appealing the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, hoping for a different outcome.

The impact of this ruling, whether through the redrawing of maps or the potential for impeachment proceedings, is set to shape the political landscape of Wisconsin for the foreseeable future.