Court Upholds Republican-Backed Congressional Map in Missouri

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a Republican-backed congressional map for Missouri. This decision allows the state to use the newly drawn maps for the upcoming midterm elections. The court stated that these maps ‘comply with the Constitution and federal law.’

The panel of three judges included Judge James B. Loken, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, and Judges David R. Stras and Justin D. Smith, both appointed by President Donald Trump. The ruling notes, ‘This Court holds that Missouri’s current plan to use the 2022 map in the November 2026 general election violates the Constitution.’

The Supreme Court had earlier issued an emergency appeal to block a new redistricting map that would alter Missouri’s eight House districts. Judge Brett Kavanaugh recently declined to hear an emergency appeal on this case. In response to the appellate panel’s decision, the lower court was urged to delay implementation for one week, until September 28, 5 p.m CT. This time is to allow Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and local election authorities to prepare before any Supreme Court decision.

The court requested comment from the Supreme Court regarding this development. Judge Stras expressed some disagreement with the decision, highlighting ‘multiple problems with this appeal.’ He noted issues under Article I, section 2 of the Constitution and questioned the standing of parties involved.

Following the Appeals Court decision, Judge Stephen Clark in Missouri’s Eastern District issued an injunction. This prevents Hoskins and related officials from using maps other than the one approved for 2025.

The legal battles have caused uncertainty regarding which map voters will use in the midterms. The group People Not Politicians, successful in an earlier state court challenge, sparked the second appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Executive director Richard von Glahn referred to the Missouri constitution and previous voter actions against these changes.

Democratic Congressman Christian Menefee criticized the decision, highlighting concerns over the impact on minority voters and overall election confidence. Ballots had already been mailed for military and overseas voters with the older maps. Absentee ballots were due for release under Missouri law.

The appellate judges noted that absentee voting had not begun in general, with deadlines still pending. Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, described the situation as problematic due to the conflict between state and federal rulings. The Missouri Supreme Court had found the 2025 map unlawful, but the federal court’s decision now contradicts that. Rahmani expects the U.S. Supreme Court will need to ultimately resolve the legal conflict.