U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Implementation of Trump-Backed Congressional Map in Missouri

The U.S. Supreme Court on September 10, 2026, halted a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge that allowed Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to use a congressional district map drawn in 2025, which was backed by former President Donald Trump. This decision reinstates the 2022 Missouri congressional map, as mandated by a prior ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court. The Supreme Court's action effectively prevents the use of the 2025 map in the upcoming general election, a situation described by Chuck Hatfield, an attorney for the advocacy group People Not Politicians, as 'done and dusted.' The 2025 map was designed to eliminate Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's seat, while the 2022 map maintains a safe seat for him. The legal battle originated from a case brought by two Republican congressional candidates, Congressman Bob Onder and state Senator Rick Brattin, who sought to use the 2025 map after winning their primaries based on it. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that a referendum on the 2025 map must go to voters, thus keeping the 2022 map in effect. Following the Supreme Court's stay, Hoskins confirmed that local election authorities would use the 2022 map. Washington University law professor Travis Crum noted that the lack of dissent among the justices signals a likely use of the 2022 maps in the November elections. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear the case on September 17, close to the deadline for sending military ballots. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway stated that it is likely the 2022 districts will be used in the elections, although Onder expressed hope for a different outcome. Missouri Democrats are celebrating this legal victory, contrasting it with redistricting efforts in other Republican-led states. Cleaver remarked on the significance of Missouri voters successfully pushing back against the Trump-backed redistricting plan through the referendum process.