The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has approved a Republican-backed congressional map in Missouri for the upcoming midterm elections. The court ruled that the new maps comply with the Constitution and federal law. The decision by a three-judge panel was released on Monday, instructing Missouri to use the newly drawn maps. Judges James B. Loken, David R. Stras, and Justin D. Smith were involved, with backgrounds in Republican nominations.
The Supreme Court had previously blocked a redistricting map that would alter Missouri’s eight House districts. This appellate decision arrives amid ongoing legal discussions, after Justice Brett Kavanaugh refused an urgent appeal related to the map changes.
The appellate panel advised the lower court to delay any actions until September 28. Without a delay, Missouri officials would need to begin using the 2025 map immediately, despite the potential for further appeals to the Supreme Court.
The court states, “A probable violation of Article I, section 2 of the Constitution has been interpreted in this matter… I would not even get that far,” according to Judge Stras, who partially dissented citing issues with standing against the People Not Politicians group and Richard von Glahn.
Judge Stephen Clark of Missouri’s Eastern District has since blocked any map differing from the 2025 version, adding complexity to the election process. This judicial activity has left voters uncertain about which maps will govern the upcoming elections.
People Not Politicians previously contested the map in state court, achieving a victory that triggered a subsequent appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Richard von Glahn, executive director, stated, “Over 305,000 Missouri voters—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—acted against this political power attempt.”
Democratic Congressman Christian Menefee of Texas criticized the panel’s decision, emphasizing on X, “The appeals court lets Missouri Republicans enforce a rigged map, erasing a Kansas City district and silencing minority voters.” He views this as detrimental to election confidence.
Absentee ballots are already being dispatched to military and overseas citizens based on the 2022 maps. Missouri law states that regular absentee voting must commence by September 22, 2026. The panel points out that this deadline means general absentee voting has not yet begun, keeping the case relevant.
Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, commented on the chaotic legal situation. He noted that Missouri’s Supreme Court deemed the 2025 map unlawful since it lacked voter approval, while the federal court ruled against changing to the 2022 map amid elections. As ballots have been distributed, the U.S. Supreme Court will likely need to address this conflict.