- The Supreme Court on Friday turned aside a third attempt by Missouri Republicans to institute a new and more favorable congressional redistricting map in time for November's midterm elections.
- The court ruled that ongoing voting and the potential for electoral chaos prevented the implementation of the new map.
- The election will proceed using the 2022 map, which includes six seats held by Republicans and two held by Democrats.
- Missouri Republicans launched a mid-decade redistricting effort after President Trump urged redrawing maps to favor GOP candidates.
- The new 2025 map shifted congressional lines in Kansas City to turn a Democratic-leaning district into a more favorable district for Republicans.
- Secretary of State Denny Hoskins delayed the referendum decision and ordered the 2025 map used for the August primary.
- The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the 2022 map must be used and held Hoskins in contempt for his actions.
- A new lawsuit filed on Sept. 4 led to a federal judge and the 8th Circuit ruling in favor of the 2025 map.
The U.S. Supreme Court has decisively ruled against Missouri Republicans' attempts to implement a new congressional map, affirming the use of the 2022 map for the upcoming midterm elections. This marks the third rejection in three weeks, emphasizing the court's stance on maintaining electoral stability amidst ongoing voting processes.1237
The court's unsigned opinion highlighted that ballots have already been printed and mailed, with absentee voting underway. The ruling stated, “At this late date, ordering reversion to the 2025 map in the midst of an ongoing election would usher in electoral chaos.” This decision ensures that the election will proceed with the current map, which includes six Republican-held seats and two Democratic seats.568
Missouri's Republican Governor, Mike Kehoe, expressed disappointment, stating, “Voters deserved consistency and certainty, and not for the rules to be changed between elections.” The legal battle began after opponents of the proposed map gathered enough signatures for a state referendum, leading to confusion and delays in the decision-making process.
The Missouri Supreme Court had previously ruled that the 2022 map must be used, holding Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in contempt for his actions that contributed to the confusion. The Supreme Court's ruling effectively ends the legal saga, allowing Missouri to proceed with its elections under the established map.
“The ruling grants an emergency application from People Not Politicians, whose executive director Richard von Glahn said, "We are done with corrupt politicians trying to force their map into effect." Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe called the decision "disappointing" but said the state will follow the order.”
