JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The ongoing redistricting saga in Missouri took another turn as a federal judge issued a temporary block on the use of the state’s old congressional districts for the upcoming November election. This decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court opted not to intervene in the complex legal dispute.
The convoluted redistricting process in Missouri has been a source of confusion for voters, especially those unsure of their district status for Election Day. Just days earlier, the Missouri Supreme Court had ruled against the use of a new U.S. House map endorsed by President Donald Trump, following a successful petition by citizens calling for a statewide vote.
Despite the Missouri Supreme Court’s ruling, U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark, appointed by Trump, issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the state from reverting to the old districts, backing the Republican-supported new map. This decision was promptly contested by redistricting opponents, who filed an appeal with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The new congressional districts were already utilized during the August primary, with results certified by election officials. However, the uncertainty looms over their use in the November election as Clark’s order is valid for 14 days, pending further court actions.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway confirmed the state’s readiness to comply with Clark’s order, which mandates using the new districts. Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins hailed the federal court order as averting a potential constitutional crisis.
Chuck Hatfield, representing People Not Politicians, emphasized that the Missouri Supreme Court’s order against the new map remains in effect. “An individual federal judge cannot overrule the Missouri Supreme Court,” Hatfield stated.
Judge warns of voter chaos
Hanaway argued against changing districts between the primary and general elections, citing potential federal rights violations and voter confusion. Clark echoed this sentiment in his order, stating, “Using a different map for the general election would wreak havoc on the fairness and orderliness of Missouri’s congressional elections, calling into question the candidacy of those nominated in the primaries and the votes of those who voted in the primaries. Widespread voter confusion would inevitably follow.”
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, assigned to Missouri cases, offered no explanation for the decision not to hear the case. Meanwhile, Missouri’s legal framework imposed a Tuesday deadline for modifying the November ballot candidates or issues. The federal law requires absentee ballots for overseas voters to be mailed by September 19.
New district lines challenge a Democratic stronghold
Missouri’s congressional representation currently includes six Republicans and two Democrats, elected under the Republican-approved 2022 districts. Under Trump’s influence, Governor Mike Kehoe convened a special legislative session last year to redraw the boundaries, favoring Republican candidates ahead of midterms.
The revised map specifically targeted the 5th Congressional District, represented by long-serving Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. The redistricting divided Kansas City among two Republican-held districts and extended Cleaver’s district into predominantly Republican rural areas. An estimated 59% of voters in the district were new, based on an Associated Press estimate.
Cleaver was unchallenged in the Democratic primary, whereas State Sen. Rick Brattin emerged victorious in the reconfigured district’s Republican primary. Brattin, along with Republican U.S. Rep. Bob Onder and other voters, initiated the federal lawsuit leading to Clark’s temporary decision. Brattin praised the ruling and committed to continuing his campaign.
Legal stance on district laws
Coinciding with the primary, Hoskins dismissed a citizen petition with numerous signatures aiming for a November referendum on the map. He claimed Missouri’s Constitution does not permit a referendum on congressional redistricting. A lower court supported this view, but the state Supreme Court overturned Hoskins’ decision.
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the new districts were effectively suspended in December when the petition signatures were submitted, meaning they never became law. In compliance with the court’s decision, Hoskins designated the redistricting referendum as Proposition A for the November ballot.
While the Missouri Constitution does not explicitly state that a referendum can apply to congressional redistricting, the state Supreme Court interpreted a constitutional provision allowing a referendum on “any act” of the Legislature to include such legislation.
Missouri joined Texas as the second Republican-led state to heed Trump’s call last year for redistricting. Several other states followed suit, with Republicans aiming to gain up to 16 additional seats from new House maps in states such as Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Alabama. Democrats, despite facing setbacks, hope to secure up to six additional seats from new districts in California and Utah.
Whether the redistricting strategy will benefit Republicans remains unclear, as historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats in midterms, and Trump’s low approval ratings could further challenge Republican candidates.
