MADISON – After Senate Republicans gaveled in and then immediately adjourned today’s special session to ban partisan gerrymandering, State Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) released the following statement condemning the majority’s choice to dodge this important issue once again:
“For over a decade, Wisconsinites suffered under some of the most gerrymandered and partisan maps in the country. In 2024, fair maps were finally enacted for the state legislature, but gerrymandering has lingered in Wisconsin’s congressional maps. As I have said since the 2024 maps were signed into law: our work is not done until we ensure that politicians cannot pick and choose their voters ever again.
“Senate Republicans had the opportunity to permanently protect fair maps or to leave the door open for gerrymandering. They chose to side with gerrymandering instead of voters. By adjourning in seconds without debate or consideration, legislative Republicans have shown once again that they are more interested in dodging accountability than in giving the people of Wisconsin a voice in the legislative branch.
“Now more than ever, with a federal government that is actively ignoring the law, the US Constitution, and the will of the people, it is critical that Wisconsinites are able to elect the leaders of their choice to the State Senate, the State Assembly, and the US House of Representatives. We need to safeguard our democracy here at home. Fair maps must be a constitutional guarantee in Wisconsin, and this was an opportunity to begin that process now.
“I will continue to work for fair maps because it is the right thing to do. No one should use their political position to ignore the will of the people.”
