Missouri court allows new Trump-backed U.S. House districts to be used in November election

Key Points:

• A Missouri judge ruled that new U.S. House districts supported by President Trump can be used in the November elections, rejecting efforts to put the Republican-favored map to a statewide referendum.
• The ruling by Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green sided with Republicans, who argued the Missouri Constitution does not allow a referendum on congressional redistricting, a decision likely to be appealed to the state Supreme Court.
• Missouri’s revised map, drawn after a special legislative session called by GOP Gov. Mike Kehoe, aims to help Republicans maintain their House majority by reshaping districts to disadvantage Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
• Opponents, including the group People Not Politicians, quickly announced plans to appeal, asserting their constitutional right to a referendum on the redistricting plan.
• Missouri’s redistricting battle is part of a broader national GOP effort, with Republicans redrawing maps in several states to gain House seats ahead of the midterm elections.