Missouri Court Upholds GOP Redistricting Map
Is this a win for the rule of law or for an unconstitutional gerrymander?
Above: Stock photo of the Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City. Image credit: Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This congressional map has been upheld multiple times, making clear that elected state legislatures — not outside dark money groups — hold the constitutional authority to draw districts in Missouri. Attempting to override that process after primaries already concluded would've disenfranchised real voters. Republicans now have their rightful path to flipping seats red in 2026.
Democratic narrative
Missouri voters gathered enough signatures to trigger a referendum, but then a judge decided that the referendum right doesn't apply, which contradicts a broad constitutional guarantee and ignores a 1922 precedent. The ruling leans on fringe federal theories the judge acknowledged are legally shaky. An appeal should be heard and this ruling should be overturned.
