The short version
- The US Supreme Court rejected a push to restore Republican-drawn congressional maps in Missouri, effectively blocking their use in the upcoming midterm elections.
- Conflicting rulings from lower courts had created confusion, with a federal judge initially ordering the use of new maps before the Supreme Court intervened.
- The decision means Missouri will likely use its previous electoral maps, which do not include the recent changes designed to give Republicans an additional seat.
The US Supreme Court has issued a ruling that appears to spell the end for Republican-drawn congressional maps in Missouri, blocking their use in the upcoming midterm elections. The decision comes less than two months before the pivotal November vote, in which control of the narrowly divided US House of Representatives could be determined by a handful of seats.
Last year, at the behest of President Donald Trump, Missouri's Republican-dominated legislature redrew district lines to net one additional seat for Republicans. The new maps carved up a district representing Kansas City, long held by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver. After Governor Mike Kehoe signed the new boundaries into law in September 2025, the legislation faced immediate legal challenges.
A campaign group called People Not Politicians gathered more than 300,000 signatures to force a statewide referendum on whether to keep or repeal the new map. The Missouri Supreme Court certified the referendum for the ballot on September 3, ruling that the new district lines would not take effect until 2027 and that the 2025 redistricting did not comply with state law.
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a Republican, sought to use the new map anyway. State Attorney General Catherine Hanaway appealed the Missouri Supreme Court's decision. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, overseeing emergency hearings from the eighth circuit, initially refused to stay the ruling. However, federal district judge Stephen Clark issued a separate order requiring Hoskins to use the new Republican-friendly map, compounding confusion over which maps would be used.
Hoskins stated he would follow Judge Clark's order, and a federal appeals court panel declined to block it. This created a complex legal landscape with conflicting directives from state and federal courts. The situation raised concerns about potential chaos in the election administration process, as officials struggled to determine which district boundaries were legally valid.
On Thursday morning, Justice Kavanaugh again ordered the state to comply with the Missouri Supreme Court ruling, effectively blocking the new maps. This latest decision appears to set the stage for the state to use its old electoral maps this year. The reversal provides some clarity but leaves questions about how the state will proceed after using the newer maps to hold primary elections in August.
The political implications are significant. The Republican-drawn maps were designed to provide an edge in the midterms, and their rejection may alter the competitive dynamics of several congressional races. Democrats have welcomed the decision, arguing that it upholds the rule of law and prevents partisan gerrymandering from influencing the election outcome.
Republicans have criticized the Supreme Court's intervention, claiming it undermines the will of the state legislature. The ongoing legal battle highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding redistricting efforts in key swing states. As the election approaches, both parties are likely to continue monitoring the situation closely for any further developments.
The referendum on the new maps remains on the ballot, meaning voters will have the final say on whether to keep or repeal the lines after the 2026 elections. This adds another layer of complexity to Missouri's political landscape, as the outcome could influence future redistricting efforts and partisan strategies.
With the Supreme Court's ruling in place, election officials in Missouri can now focus on preparing for November using the established maps. The decision brings a measure of stability to an otherwise chaotic period, allowing candidates and voters to understand the districts they are competing in or representing. The case serves as a reminder of the critical role courts play in ensuring fair and transparent elections.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US Politics↗Supreme court’s decision seems to spell end for Republican-drawn congressional maps in Missouri – US politics live
- The Guardian US↗US supreme court again rejects Missouri maps drawn to boost Republicans in midterms