The US Supreme Court has rejected Missouri’s request to reinstate a Republican-backed congressional map, but the map’s status remains unsettled after a federal judge later ordered the new boundaries to be used for November’s midterm elections.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who handles emergency matters from Missouri, declined the state’s request on Tuesday without referring it to the full Supreme Court or explaining his decision. Hours later, US District Judge Stephen Clark temporarily blocked the older map and required Missouri to use the new one for the November elections.
Why the map is being challenged
Missouri Republicans approved the new congressional boundaries in 2025 as part of a broader effort backed by President Donald Trump to improve Republican electoral prospects. The map shifts parts of the Kansas City-based 5th District into neighbouring Republican-held districts, giving Republicans a better chance of gaining a House seat. For additional context, see “Supreme Court divisions deepen after police suspensions”.
Opponents collected hundreds of thousands of signatures to force a statewide vote on the map. Republican officials rejected the petition as legally valid, prompting litigation. The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously ruled last week that voters must approve the map in a referendum before it can be used.
Key figures
- The new map would break up Missouri’s Democratic-leaning 5th Congressional District, represented by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver.
- Judge Stephen Clark’s order remains in effect for 14 days while courts consider the dispute.
- Republicans hold 219 seats in the 435-seat US House, compared with 214 held by Democrats, including one right-leaning independent in the Republican total.
Why the dispute is still unresolved
The Supreme Court’s decision left the Missouri Supreme Court ruling standing, while Clark’s later order created a conflicting directive requiring use of the Republican-backed boundaries. Opponents have appealed Clark’s order, which lasts for 14 days as courts consider the dispute. A related part of this story is covered in “Herridge asks Supreme Court to stop daily fines over sources”.
The legal conflict is also unfolding after Missouri held its party primaries using the new map. Republican Attorney General Catherine Hanaway argued that returning to the older boundaries would disrupt the election process and said the state would comply with Clark’s order. Opponents say Republican officials rejected the referendum petition shortly before the primary, leaving no time to appeal.
What happens next
The appeal of Clark’s order will be considered while his 14-day order remains in effect; the courts must determine which congressional map Missouri will use for the November midterm elections. The development of this issue can be followed in “Court rejects Minnesota request over detained ICE agent”.
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