Missouri Supreme Court Halts Republican Redistricting Map Ahead of Midterms
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The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that a new congressional map backed by Republicans cannot be used in the 2024 elections, keeping the 2020 district lines in place and prompting an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Missouri Supreme Court issued an order preventing a Republican-drawn congressional map from being used in the November 2024 elections, preserving the district boundaries established after the 2020 census. The court found that the referendum petition supporting the map was legal, sufficient, and timely, and that the legislature’s redistricting plan cannot take effect without voter approval.
The decision maintains the existing district that includes Kansas City, where Democrat Representative Emanuel Cleaver has served for decades, and removes a proposed redesign that would have split his constituency.
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said the state would immediately appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, describing the outcome as a constitutional crisis. Governor Mike Kehoe expressed disappointment, criticizing the judges for what he called a lack of respect for the legislative process.
President Donald Trump denounced the ruling on social media, calling it a “dark day for justice” in Missouri.
Legal analysts noted that the court’s order underscores the Missouri constitution’s requirement for voter approval of redistricting changes, reinforcing the principle that the electorate, rather than legislators, has the final say in drawing district lines.