Supreme Court reviews Missouri congressional map dispute for third time
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The U.S. Supreme Court is considering an emergency appeal over a Missouri congressional map favored by Republicans, after a federal appeals court ordered its reinstatement despite earlier court blocks.
The U.S. Supreme Court received a third emergency appeal on Tuesday concerning Missouri's congressional redistricting plan that was drawn to favor Republican candidates. A federal appeals court ordered the state to revert to the GOP-backed map even after the Supreme Court had halted its use on Sept. 10.
Earlier in the week, Justice Brett Kavanaugh denied an appeal by Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and upheld a decision by the Missouri Supreme Court, which requires voter approval before any new districts can take effect. The high court gave supporters of the map until midday Wednesday to file a response.
The disputed map would reshape a Kansas City-area district currently held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver and could allow Republicans to win seven of Missouri’s eight House seats, one more than they presently hold. The legal battle has left more than a million voters uncertain about their district assignments, while absentee voting proceeds under the 2022 districts drawn after the last census.
"The state must use its previous map until voters decide otherwise," the Missouri Supreme Court ruling stated.
Missouri’s redistricting fight is among the most prolonged and intricate in the nation, reflecting a broader trend of mid-decade redistricting prompted by President Trump’s encouragement of Republican-led states to redraw boundaries ahead of the 2024 elections.