The Supreme Court blocked a Republican-backed congressional map in Missouri for the third time, ending a legal battle that could have shifted election outcomes in the midterms. The map, which was used in August primaries, was deemed unconstitutional by a federal appeals court, but the high court upheld a previous decision allowing the 2022 map to be used in the November elections.
The court rejected a Republican-drawn map that Republicans hoped would help them gain a seat in the House, citing concerns about electoral chaos. The map had been reshaped to favor Republicans, shifting districts in Missouri and affecting over a million voters. The court ordered the use of the 2022 map, which was already in effect for the 2026 elections.
The decision means Missouri voters will continue using the same districts as in the 2024 and 2022 elections, despite the legal uncertainty. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexity of redistricting challenges across multiple states. The court emphasized the need for stability in election boundaries during an ongoing voting period.
The legal battle has resulted in confusion for nearly a million voters, with some local officials urging caution as the midterm elections approach. The case is part of a broader national effort to influence election outcomes through redistricting, with at least 16 lawsuits filed across state and federal courts.