The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously blocked a congressional map backed by US President Donald Trump ahead of November’s midterm elections, restoring the state’s previous districts. Republican officials have pledged to appeal the ruling to the US Supreme Court.
Why the map was challenged
The map was signed into law in September 2025 and designed to help Republicans win an additional US House seat. Nearly 300,000 Missouri residents signed a petition seeking a public vote on the map.
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the petition as legally insufficient. The state Supreme Court overturned that decision, ruling that the referendum petition was legal, sufficient and timely under the Missouri Constitution. For additional context, see “Court says Congress must approve Trump’s White House ballroom”.
What the ruling changes
The court barred the 2025 map from being used in November’s midterm election or any future election until Missouri voters approve it. The ruling upheld the legality of the petition campaign rather than deciding the map’s political merits.
The case creates practical questions because Missouri’s primary elections were conducted using the 2025 districts. Legal issues remain over whether a state’s general election can use different congressional districts from those used in its primaries.
Appeal and political fallout
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said she would immediately appeal to the US Supreme Court and described the decision as a constitutional crisis. Trump condemned the ruling in a social media post.
The dispute is especially significant for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District, which is held by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver and was reshaped under the 2025 map to favour Republicans. The People Not Politicians group, which led the referendum petition, welcomed the ruling. A related part of this story is covered in “What Florida’s 2026 primaries mean for November”.
What happens next
Republican officials are expected to pursue an appeal to the US Supreme Court while Missouri prepares for the November election and the printing of ballots.
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