Missouri congressional map: Back to the U.S. Supreme Court

Key Points:

• The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Missouri must use its 2025 congressional map for the November 2026 election, citing constitutional issues with changing maps between the primary and general elections; this order is stayed until Sept. 28, 2026, to allow for appeals.
• The ruling follows a federal lawsuit by State Sen. Rick Brattin, Rep. Bob Onder, and voters challenging the use of different maps for the primary and general elections, while People Not Politicians, opposing the 2025 map, plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Election officials warn that switching maps close to the election would cause logistical challenges, including reprinting ballots and reprogramming systems, potentially disrupting election administration.
• Various groups filed amicus briefs presenting opposing views: Club for Growth supports the 2025 map to avoid nullifying primary votes, while others argue the 2025 map was suspended by referendum and never legally took effect.
• The legal battle is ongoing with the U.S. Supreme Court currently allowing use of the 2022 map for November, and the 8th Circuit hearing scheduled to address constitutional questions and the validity of the referendum suspension; the final outcome may still be subject to further Supreme Court review.