Missouri Supreme Court Blocks Republican-Backed Congressional Map

The Missouri Supreme Court has delivered a significant win for Democrats by preventing a Republican-supported congressional map from being utilized in the upcoming November midterm elections. The court’s unanimous decision requires the map to receive voter approval before implementation, thereby preserving the existing congressional boundaries for the 2026 general election.

This development is a setback for Republicans, who were eager for the new map to potentially secure an additional seat in the U.S. House. Former President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of the ruling through a Truth Social post, deeming it a “Dark Day for ‘Justice’ in Missouri!” He labeled the decision “horrible, ridiculous, and unConstitutional.” Trump argued it would disrupt the election process by necessitating changes to congressional districts close to the midterms.

The ruling places Missouri at the forefront of a national struggle over congressional maps, with both parties striving to leverage redistricting to bolster their chances for capturing the House. Supported by Trump and Missouri Republicans, the redistricting plan aimed to favor the GOP by dismantling the district held by Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver, according to Reuters. Cleaver welcomed the court’s decision, stating, “Democracy prevails.”

Judge Ginger Gooch, in one of the court’s opinions, overturned the circuit court’s judgment. The court recognized the legality, sufficiency, and timeliness of the referendum petition, contrary to the secretary’s conclusion. Gooch clarified that HB 1 will not be enacted without voter approval, maintaining the congressional redistricting established in 2022 for the November 2026 election.

The decision followed opposition to the map spearheaded by People Not Politicians, which successfully garnered signatures for a referendum. Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a Republican, initially rejected the petition, claiming that the state’s constitution did not allow referendums on congressional redistricting. The state’s highest court disagreed, reaffirming the petition’s validity. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that Republicans plan to escalate the appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comments. This is an ongoing story and will be updated with further information.