Missouri high court blocks GOP-backed congressional maps ahead of midterms; Trump blasts 'ridiculous' ruling

The Missouri Supreme Court has unanimously blocked the use of newly drawn Republican-backed congressional districts for the upcoming November elections, ruling that voters must first approve the map in a statewide referendum. This decision overturns a previous ruling by the Republican Secretary of State and means the map adopted after the 2020 census will remain in effect. Republican officials, including Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and Governor Mike Kehoe, plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, while Democrats and former President Trump have reacted strongly to the ruling.

• The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that new Republican-backed congressional districts cannot be used in the November elections.
• Voters must approve the new map in a statewide referendum before it can take effect.
• The ruling overturns the Republican Secretary of State’s rejection of a referendum petition.
• The map adopted after the 2020 census will remain in effect for the 2026 election.
• Republican officials plan to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Former President Trump called the ruling ‘ridiculous’ and ‘unconstitutional’.
• The new map was drawn to potentially favor Republicans, including targeting Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s district.
• Democrats praised the ruling as a victory for democracy and the people of Missouri.