A Missouri judge has ruled that the state's Republican-backed congressional redistricting map will remain in place for the 2026 general election, delivering a significant victory to former President Donald Trump and the state's GOP.
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green determined Wednesday that Missouri's constitutional referendum process does not apply to congressional maps enacted by the state Legislature. The ruling sided with Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who had argued against allowing a public vote on the map.
This decision allows a map drawn by the Republican-led Legislature to stand, potentially influencing the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The map, which was supported by Trump, aims to strengthen the Republican advantage in Missouri's congressional delegation. Currently, the state has six Republicans and two Democrats in its eight-member House delegation.
The redistricting plan splits parts of Kansas City, redistributing them into neighboring districts held by Republicans and extending the 5th Congressional District, currently represented by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, into more rural, Republican-leaning areas. An Associated Press estimate indicates that approximately 59% of voters in the reshaped district are new to it.
Opponents of the map had gathered thousands of signatures to trigger a statewide referendum. However, Hoskins rejected the petition, asserting that the state constitution does not permit congressional redistricting to be subject to a referendum. Judge Green’s judgment affirmed Hoskins’ position and also named the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the Missouri Republican State Committee as defendants in the case.
The ruling comes as redistricting battles are unfolding across the country. Missouri's legislative session last year included a special session called by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe following Trump's encouragement for Republican-led states to redraw congressional boundaries. Missouri became the second Republican-led state, after Texas, to pursue new congressional maps as part of this broader effort.
The plaintiff, Richard von Glahn, has appealed the ruling. The outcome of this appeal will determine if the case moves to a higher court. The White House has not yet issued a statement regarding the decision. The new boundaries were already utilized in Missouri's August primaries, with Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin winning the GOP primary in the redrawn district. Rep. Cleaver, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary, faces a significantly altered district in the upcoming elections.