Appeals court orders new GOP map

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that Missouri must use a new congressional map drawn in 2025, even though the Supreme Court rejected this twice in recent weeks.

“Only use of the 2025 map complies with the Constitution and federal law.”

The map would flip a Democratic seat

The new map would create a 7-1 Republican advantage by eliminating one of Missouri's two Democratic House districts, specifically targeting Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

Supreme Court already rejected this

The Supreme Court put a hold on the new map on September 10th, allowing Missouri to use the 2022 map instead, which has six Republican seats and two Democratic seats.

Ballots already printed, people voting

Election officials have already printed ballots and Missourians have started voting. The appeals court's ruling has no immediate effect and faces long odds of being implemented before November.

“Ballots have been printed, and Missourians have already voted.”

Secretary of State delayed, then rejected

Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins delayed deciding whether to put the new map on the ballot, then rejected it, arguing that redistricting plans are not subject to voter approval.

Voters tried to stop the map

Opponents gathered enough signatures to put the new map before voters as a ballot referendum, but the Secretary of State rejected the measure at the last minute.