Missouri judge rules GOP congressional map will stay in effect for 2026 elections
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A Missouri circuit judge ruled that the state's constitutional referendum process cannot be used to challenge congressional districts drawn by the legislature, leaving the Republican-backed map in place for the 2026 general election.
A Missouri circuit judge ruled on Wednesday that the state's constitutional referendum provisions do not apply to congressional redistricting enacted by the General Assembly, allowing the Republican-drawn map to remain in force for the 2026 general election. The decision also upheld the Secretary of State's refusal to certify a petition seeking a statewide referendum on the map, finding the refusal lawful.
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green entered judgment for Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and Republican political committees that intervened in the case, stating the referendum process cannot be used to overturn congressional boundaries set by the legislature.
The map, drawn after President Donald Trump urged GOP-controlled states to redraw districts ahead of the 2026 midterms, reshapes Kansas City’s 5th Congressional District and other areas to increase Republican-leaning voters. An Associated Press estimate says about 59% of voters in the revised district are new to it.
Republican state Senator Rick Brattin won the GOP primary in the newly drawn district, while Democratic incumbent Emanuel Cleaver ran unopposed for his party's nomination. The boundaries were already used in Missouri’s August primaries.
The plaintiff, Richard von Glahn, appealed the ruling later that evening, and the case is expected to move to the appellate court. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.