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The Missouri Supreme Court has halted the use of new congressional district maps intended to benefit Republicans, ruling Thursday (September 3) that the maps cannot be used in the upcoming November election. The court ordered the reinstatement of the previous maps, impacting the Kansas City area, where Republicans aimed to gain an additional House seat.
The decision comes after citizens submitted over 300,000 petition signatures seeking a referendum on the new maps, which were backed by President Donald Trump. The court found the referendum petition legal and timely, stating the new districts will not take effect unless approved by voters. As a result, the congressional map drawn after the 2020 census will remain in effect for the November 2026 general election.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced plans to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, calling it a "constitutional crisis." The ruling raises questions about how primary winners will be handled under the old map, with the deadline to finalize the November ballot fast approaching.
The blocked map was part of a national redistricting effort by Republicans to secure additional seats in the U.S. House. Missouri currently has six Republican and two Democratic representatives. The new map would have divided Kansas City across multiple districts, giving Republicans an advantage in seven of the state's eight districts.
The decision marks a rare setback for Republicans in redistricting battles across the country. The court's ruling underscores the ongoing legal and political challenges in redistricting efforts, as states navigate the complex process of drawing congressional boundaries.
The Guardian reported that the court emphasized the referendum process as a democratic tool, allowing voters to have the final say. FOX 2 noted that this decision is one of the few nationally that goes against Republican redistricting plans.
The ruling reflects the contentious nature of redistricting, with Missouri being one of several states embroiled in legal battles over congressional maps. The upcoming referendum will determine the future of Missouri's congressional districts, as voters decide whether to uphold or reject the new map.