A significant court decision in Missouri has upheld a redistricting map favorable to Republicans, granting a win to President Donald Trump and his allies. A Missouri judge ruled that the state’s referendum process cannot be used to contest congressional districts established by the state legislature. This decision allows the new Republican-favored map to remain for the upcoming midterm elections.
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green determined that referendum provisions in Missouri’s constitution do not apply to congressional redistricting decisions made by the General Assembly. This ruling was in favor of Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, supporting a map endorsed by Trump, which might influence control in the U.S. House.
Judge Green upheld Hoskins’ decision not to approve a referendum petition challenging the redistricting map, affirming the map’s validity for the 2026 general election. Despite opposition, the map, crafted by Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature following Trump’s encouragement, aims to improve the GOP’s chances against Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver in Kansas City.
The new map divides parts of Kansas City into neighboring Republican-held districts, extending Cleaver’s district into rural Republican areas. An estimated 59% of voters in this redrawn district are new.
Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin secured the GOP nomination in this reshaped district, as Cleaver remained unchallenged for the Democratic nomination. The boundaries have already been applied in Missouri’s August primaries.
Opponents had amassed signatures to demand a statewide referendum on the map, but Hoskins dismissed the petition, asserting the constitution does not permit congressional district challenges through referendums. Judge Green supported this view, ruling in favor of Hoskins, the Republican National Committee, and other conservative groups involved.
This case is part of a larger national debate on redistricting, sparked by Republican interests to reshape electoral boundaries before the midterms. Missouri followed Texas as the second Republican-led state to redraft these boundaries, responding to Trump’s call for action.
While the map remains in place pending appeal, the decision highlights ongoing redistricting battles. The White House had no immediate comment on the outcome.