Supreme Court Blocks Missouri GOP Map as Federal Judge Orders Its Use

WASHINGTON

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Missouri Republicans' effort to implement a newly drawn congressional map for November elections, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh upholding a Missouri Supreme Court ruling issued last week that barred the map's use while a ballot referendum challenging it moves forward.

Within hours, a federal judge in Missouri issued a conflicting order. The judge sided with Republican congressional candidates Rick Brattin and Rep. Bob Onder, who argued the new map must be used to prevent federal constitutional violations. Brattin is the GOP nominee in the district currently held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

Despite the U.S. Supreme Court's order, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, both Republicans, announced Tuesday evening that the redrawn map would take effect for the November election. The state faces a Sept. 19 deadline for first ballot distribution.

The collision stems from competing legal theories. Missouri's Supreme Court focused solely on state law and the referendum process. The federal case raises questions under the U.S. Constitution, creating directly contradictory directives.

The 2025 Republican redistricting plan was designed to eliminate one of Missouri's two Democratic-held congressional seats—specifically Cleaver's district. The effort was part of a national wave of redistricting moves prompted by President Donald Trump.

The legal fight began after the plan was enacted. A referendum group called People Not Politicians Missouri, led by Richard von Glahn, collected signatures to veto the Legislature's map and postpone its use until after the 2026 election.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a Republican, refused to place the referendum on the ballot, arguing redistricting plans were not subject to voter veto. The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously overruled him, finding no provision in state law exempts redistricting plans from the referendum process. The court deemed the petition "legal, sufficient and timely."

Under Missouri state law, once a ballot initiative is deemed valid, the challenged law is automatically suspended until voters weigh in.

If the Missouri Supreme Court ruling stands, the general election would proceed using a 2022 map that establishes six Republican-held seats and two Democratic-held seats. The federal case now faces potential review by the U.S. Supreme Court, but time is running short for a final resolution.