The Missouri Supreme Court issued a historic ruling on Thursday, September 3, 2026, blocking the new congressional districts supported by former President Donald Trump for the November midterm elections. The decision, made unanimously, also orders a statewide referendum so citizens can decide whether to keep or reject the new electoral map.
What Does the Ruling Mean?
The court determined that the referendum petitions filed by citizens, which gathered more than 300,000 signatures in December, were legal, sufficient, and timely. The Secretary of State, Republican Denny Hoskins, had rejected the petition in August, but the court sided with the proponents of the popular consultation.
As a result, the previous map, based on the 2020 census, will remain in effect for the November 2026 general elections. The new districts, already used in the August primaries, cannot be used in the general election.
Context: The Redistricting Battle
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe called a special session last year to redesign the 5th Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver. The new map extended that district eastward, incorporating rural areas with Republican leanings. According to data, under the new design, approximately 59% of the district's voters were new.
In the August primaries, Republican state Senator Rick Brattin won the nomination in the redrawn 5th District, while Cleaver won his primary unopposed. Missouri's delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives currently consists of 6 Republicans and 2 Democrats.
Legal Basis and Background
The Missouri Constitution allows referendums on “any act” of the legislature, which includes congressional redistricting. The court had already rejected challenges to the legality of the special session, the ban on mid-decade redistricting, and the compactness of the districts.
This ruling comes amid a national redistricting battle driven by Trump and his allies, who sought to gain an advantage in the midterm elections. Republicans hoped to gain up to 10 additional seats nationwide with these redesigns.
What's Next?
The Missouri Supreme Court's decision can still be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the original 2020 map will continue to govern the November elections, representing a setback for Republican plans in the state.
This ruling is one of the few nationwide that opposes Republican redistricting plans and could set a precedent for other disputed states.