In a significant decision that has implications for Wisconsin's political landscape, the state's Supreme Court ruled on Monday that the current state legislative districts violate the contiguity requirements outlined in Article IV of the Wisconsin Constitution. The court's ruling comes after a group of voters and state senators sued, arguing that the districts were non-contiguous.

The court agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that the state legislative districts "must be composed of physically adjoining territory." Citing both the constitutional text and precedent, the court concluded that the current districts contain separate and detached territory, making them unconstitutional.

As a result of the ruling, the Legislature has been given until January 12th to submit new map proposals that adhere to the contiguity requirements. However, Wisconsin Republicans have already expressed their intention to appeal the decision, highlighting their belief that the case was pre-decided.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos took to social media to express his disappointment, stating, "Sad day for Wisconsin when the state supreme court just said last year that the existing lines are constitutional. Fortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court will have the last word."

Governor Tony Evers, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling as a validation of his long-held belief that the Republican-controlled Legislature has been engaging in gerrymandering practices. He remarked, "It's clear to me that a Republican-controlled Legislature that has consistently gerrymandered itself into comfortable partisan majorities for more than a decade is incapable of preparing fair, nonpartisan maps deserving of the people of this state."

Governor Evers also emphasized that the ruling showcases the fact that Wisconsin is, in reality, a "purple state," indicating a more evenly divided political landscape. He expressed his eagerness to submit maps that better represent the makeup of the state, in an effort to ensure fair and nonpartisan district boundaries.

The ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court adds fuel to the ongoing debate over redistricting and highlights the significance of Article IV of the state's Constitution. As the legal battles continue and new map proposals are submitted, the case may ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, which could have a lasting impact on Wisconsin's future political landscape.