Republican lawyers urged the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to allow Missouri to revert to a GOP-drawn 2025 congressional map for the Nov. 3 election. The Missouri Supreme Court rejected the map and the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a federal order that would have reinstated it, leaving Missouri set to use its 2022/2024 lines unless the appeals court overturns that outcome. Judges signaled a rapid decision that will likely be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
8th Circuit Hears Push To Reinstate Missouri GOP Congressional Map Ahead Of Nov. 3
(AP)
Republican attorneys asked a federal appeals court to let Missouri use a GOP-drawn 2025 congressional map for the Nov. 3 general election, reviving a dispute that has left election officials and voters uncertain for more than a year.
What Happened
A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Thursday over whether Missouri should be allowed to switch from the current congressional district lines — which were used in 2022 and 2024 — to a Republican-drawn map the state used in its August primary. The Missouri Supreme Court had rejected the new map, and the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a federal order that would have reinstated it.
Arguments Presented
Marc Ellinger, attorney for U.S. Rep. Bob Onder and State Sen. Rick Brattin, argued there is still time to revert to the Trump-backed 2025 plan before ballots are finalized for November. Ellinger urged the panel to permit reinstatement so the state could use the disputed districts in the general election.
Missouri Solicitor General Lou Capozzi urged the appeals court to adopt a constitutional rule preventing a referendum petition from suspending a lawfully enacted congressional map while a statewide vote is organized. That position conflicts with the Missouri Supreme Court’s interpretation of the state constitution, which requires such a pause pending a referendum vote.
Judges, Logistics And Next Steps
The judges signaled they intend to rule quickly, while acknowledging any decision would likely be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. "We've got to decide, and then they've got to decide, and then the poor election officials have to deal with where everything is," said Judge James Loken, an appointee of former President George H.W. Bush.
An attorney for Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins pressed the court to end what he called "redistricting paralysis" and provide clarity so election administrators can finalize ballots and polling plans.
Broader Context
The fight over Missouri's congressional map is part of a larger national push by Republican officials — encouraged last year by former President Donald Trump — to redraw House districts in GOP-controlled states. Missouri was the second Republican-led state, after Texas, to enact new congressional districts following that push.
The dispute has stretched over a year, producing uncertainty about which districts will govern representation in November and complicating preparations by election officials. Any ruling from the 8th Circuit is expected to draw a swift appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, leaving the final outcome uncertain until potentially the nation's highest court acts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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