A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit on September 17 heard arguments over whether to reinstate Missouri’s 2025 congressional map, which was blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court pending appeal and would have given Republicans a potential 7–1 advantage in the state’s House delegation. The panel’s deliberations come amid a legal dispute over which map Missouri will use for the November 3 election, with the state currently set to use the 2022 map, which favors Republicans with a 6–2 edge.
The Missouri Supreme Court had ordered a referendum on the 2025 map, but state officials filed a federal lawsuit seeking to reinstate it for the election. A federal district court initially ruled in favor of the 2025 map, but the Supreme Court blocked that decision without explanation, leaving the 2022 map in place for November. The state conducted August primary elections using the 2025 map before the Supreme Court’s intervention.
Key Developments in the Legal Battle
The Eighth Circuit panel is now weighing whether to revive the 2025 map, despite the Supreme Court’s stay. The judges expressed frustration over the lack of reasoning in the high court’s order, which provided no guidance on how lower courts should proceed. Judge James Loken noted the urgency, stating, “They told us: Get to work,” while questioning whether the panel could resolve the dispute in time for the election.
Missouri Solicitor General Louis Capozzi argued that the Supreme Court’s stay lacked clarity, saying it “would have been helpful” if the justices had provided even a brief explanation. The state’s position is that the Supreme Court’s order should be followed, even without explicit reasoning.
Background: The Two Maps and Political Context
The 2022 map, drawn after the 2020 census, was passed by the Missouri General Assembly and designed to give Republicans a 6–2 advantage in the state’s congressional delegation. The 2025 map, pushed by former President Donald Trump, sought to expand Republican control to a 7–1 split. The Missouri Supreme Court’s decision to require a referendum on the 2025 map added another layer of complexity to the dispute.
What’s at Stake for Voters and Candidates
If the Eighth Circuit rules in favor of the 2025 map, it could still face further appeals, potentially sending the case back to the Supreme Court. However, even if the panel reinstates the map, the Supreme Court’s prior intervention complicates its immediate use. The November election is currently scheduled to proceed under the 2022 map, but a last-minute change could disrupt voting logistics.
Protesters, including Steve Perry of Kansas City, have demonstrated outside the Missouri State Capitol in opposition to the redistricting plans, reflecting broader public concern over the legal wrangling. The outcome of the appeals court’s decision could determine whether Missouri’s congressional races proceed under the old or new boundaries, with potential implications for House control in Washington.