From Slate Magazine · Alexis Romero · · 2m
Supreme Court Slaps Missouri Gerrymandering Attempt
Supreme Court rejects Missouri's last-minute gerrymander for 2026 midterms, forcing use of 2022 map.
In brief
Supreme Court rejects Missouri's last-minute gerrymander for 2026 midterms, forcing use of 2022 map. Missouri must use 2022 congressional map for November elections after Supreme Court rejects illegal 2025 gerrymander. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Supreme Court rejects Missouri gerrymander
The Supreme Court concluded Missouri's attempt to gerrymander congressional maps for 2026 midterms failed as early voting began under the 2022 map.
Missouri's emergency map effort
Missouri Republican officials failed to replace the 2022 map with a new 2025 map before November elections despite emergency legislative action.
2025 map's racial impact
The 2025 map tried to expand Republican seats by picking off parts of Kansas City, Missouri, a city with a 40 percent nonwhite population.
Missouri voter referendum
Over 300,000 Missourians signed a petition requiring a statewide referendum in November 2026 to vote on the 2025 map.
Secretary of State's defiance
Missouri Secretary of State Denny L. Hoskins ordered primaries under the 2025 map despite legal requirements for the 2022 map.
Missouri Supreme Court ruling
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled the 2025 map met legal requirements for a November referendum after the 2022 map was used.
Supreme Court's two prior rulings
The Supreme Court had already ruled twice in favor of the 2022 map before this latest decision on Missouri's gerrymander.
Kavanaugh's role in case
Justice Brett Kavanaugh reviewed petitions from the 8th Circuit, which had previously allowed Missouri's 2025 map to be used.
Missouri's petition strategy
Missouri's petition cited Kavanaugh's opinions from gun litigation and administrative law cases to support their gerrymander.
Supreme Court's criticism
The Supreme Court criticized Missouri for claiming eleventh-hour unfairness when the Secretary of State knew the 2025 map carried significant risks.
Missouri's gerrymander context
Missouri was the eighth state to attempt gerrymandering for 2026 midterms after Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Utah.
Lower courts' role
Lower courts had previously allowed gerrymanders in Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama despite evidence of racial discrimination.
Supreme Court's warning
The Supreme Court warns states feel emboldened to subvert democracy because the court has enabled them to do so.
At a glance
Missouri must use 2022 congressional map for November elections after Supreme Court rejects illegal 2025 gerrymander.
