The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for April 17, 2026
Under former GOP Governor Scott Walker, Wisconsin became one of the most partisan gerrymandered states in the country for almost 15 years. His successor, Democratic Governor Tony Evers, wants to amend the state constitution to make sure it never happens again.
Earlier this month, another liberal-leaning state supreme court justice, Chris Taylor, was elected by a 20% margin, likely locking in protections for fairer maps for now. High court decisions after a court power shift in 2024 helped to partially unwind Scott Walker’s gerrymandering of the state assembly and Senate districts.
In his February 2026 state-of-the-state address, Evers announced he would call a special session to QUOTE, “Take up a constitutional amendment to ban partisan gerrymandering once and for all in Wisconsin.” He added that he would like to see a nonpartisan redistricting commission draw the maps, but acknowledged the political realities with a GOP majority legislature.
Evers requested the special session in March to approve this two-sentence amendment: “Districts shall not provide a disproportionate advantage or disadvantage to any political party. Partisan gerrymandering is prohibited.” The legislature would have to approve it in two consecutive sessions and face a ratification by voters.
So far the majority Republican legislature has taken no action, and it’s unclear whether Evers has the political capital to get the fair maps amendment passed.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Gov. Tony Evers – Text of Feb. 17, 2026 State of the State Address
Wisconsin Public Radio – After 20-point Supreme Court loss, Wisconsin Republicans look for who’s to blame
Wisconsin Watch – As Democrats surge, will Republicans take Tony Evers up on a special session to ban partisan gerrymandering?
Wisconsin Politics – Gov. Evers: Doubles down on partisan gerrymandering ban: “There’s nothing to negotiate.”
Wisconsin Examiner – Lawmakers leave conversations with Evers on gerrymandering, tax relief, school funding open
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Restoration of Fair Voting Districts in Wisconsin Ends GOP Near Supermajority in Assembly and Senate
American Democracy Minute – Oral Arguments Heard by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Constitutionality of the the State’s Extreme Gerrymandered Maps
Groups Taking Action:
Law Forward, Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition, Common Cause WI
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky Social, and SHARE!
Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org
Want ADM sent to your email? Sign up here!
Are you a radio station? Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network’s Audioport and PRX
#News #Democracy #DemocracyNews #Wisconsin #FairMaps #ConstitutionalAmendment #TonyEvers