A Missouri judge ruled Wednesday that the state’s referendum process cannot be used to challenge congressional redistricting maps drawn by the Legislature, allowing a new GOP-friendly map to remain in place for the November midterm elections.
The decision by Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green sided with Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who had declined to certify a referendum petition seeking to block the map. Green ordered that the Republican-backed congressional map “remains in full force and effect for the 2026 general election.”
The ruling preserves a map passed by Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature after former President Donald Trump urged GOP-controlled states to redraw congressional boundaries ahead of the 2026 midterms. The new boundaries are designed to give Republicans an advantage in defeating Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, whose district was significantly altered.
Under the redrawn map, portions of Kansas City are split between neighboring Republican-held districts, while the remainder of Cleaver’s 5th Congressional District is extended east into Republican-heavy rural areas. An Associated Press estimate suggests that about 59% of voters in the reshaped district are new to it.
The map’s passage follows Trump’s public call for Republicans to “be bold” in redistricting efforts, framing the process as a strategic move to secure GOP control of the U.S. House. In Missouri’s current eight-member House delegation, Republicans hold a 6-2 advantage.
Legal and Political Reactions
Plaintiff Richard von Glahn filed an appeal of the ruling Wednesday evening, according to court records. The case centers on whether Missouri’s constitutional referendum provisions apply to congressional redistricting enacted by the Legislature.
Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin won the GOP primary in the redrawn district earlier this month, positioning him as the likely nominee in November. The new map is expected to solidify Republican dominance in the district, which historically leans conservative.
The decision comes amid broader national debates over redistricting, with Republican-led states pushing for maps that favor their party ahead of the 2026 elections. Critics argue such changes dilute the voting power of urban and minority communities, while supporters contend they reflect the will of the Legislature and align with state constitutional authority.