Federal Judge Issues Temporary Injunction Keeping Missouri 2025 Congressional Map for November Election

Chief U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark issued a temporary restraining order that prevents Missouri from switching back to its 2022 congressional map for the November general election. The order, which will remain in effect for 14 days, keeps the state using the 2025 district configuration that was used in the primary.

The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Rep. Bob Onder, state Sen. Rick Brattin and two voters after the Missouri Supreme Court had indicated the state would revert to the 2022 map. Judge Clark said the plaintiffs have a high likelihood of succeeding on the claim that changing maps could invalidate primary ballots and cause voter confusion.

"Using a different map for the general election would wreak havoc on the fairness and orderliness of Missouri’s congressional elections, calling into question the candidacy of those nominated in the primaries and the votes of those who voted in the primaries. Widespread voter confusion would inevitably follow. The public interest factor thus weighs in favor of a TRO," the judge wrote.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said the state will comply with the order, emphasizing that altering districts between primary and general elections is "profoundly unjust" to voters.

The advocacy group People Not Politicians filed an appeal with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and asked Judge Clark to pause his order while the appeal proceeds, arguing that the state faces conflicting court directives.

State Sen. Rick Brattin, who is challenging Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, expressed disappointment that the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene but welcomed the district court’s stay, noting it prevents disenfranchisement of voters in the upcoming election.