Supreme Court Rejects Missouri Congressional Map For November Election

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Missouri’s latest attempt to use a Republican-backed congressional map in the November midterm elections, clearing the way for the state’s 2022 congressional district boundaries to be used this fall.

The Supreme Court's action Thursday puts a stay on a federal court order that had temporarily allowed Missouri to use the newer congressional map for the November 3 general election.

The dispute centers on a congressional map approved by the Missouri General Assembly in 2025. The map was intended to replace the state's existing congressional districts and was used during Missouri's August primary elections.

However, opponents gathered enough signatures to seek a referendum on the new map. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled September 3, 2026 that the referendum petition was valid and that the 2022 congressional map remains in effect for the November general election.

The Missouri Supreme Court also ordered the state's secretary of state to place the referendum on the November ballot and barred officials from using the newer map for the general election.

Missouri officials then sought relief from the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that changing congressional districts after the August primary would create significant problems for voters, candidates and election administrators.

A federal district judge subsequently issued an order temporarily allowing the newer map to remain in place for the November election.

The U.S. Supreme Court has now blocked that federal order, leaving the 2022 congressional map in effect for the November election.

The legal fight has created uncertainty for Missouri voters because the August primary was conducted using the newer districts. The boundaries for the November general election will now revert to the districts established under the 2022 map.

The newer congressional map will still be subject to a statewide referendum in November. Under the Missouri Supreme Court's ruling, it would not take effect unless Missouri voters approve it.