The rejection of an application seeking to use new congressional district maps in Missouri means that the old maps currently in force will remain in effect. The decision was issued by the US Supreme Court.
Nearly yearlong dispute reaches the courts
A dispute between the Republican and Democratic parties over Missouri’s congressional districts, which had continued for nearly a year, was taken to court after challenges were filed against using the new maps in elections.
Seat calculations ahead of the midterms
With the US congressional midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026, the two parties are seeking an advantage by redrawing electoral districts. These changes, which affect which party will send more representatives to Congress, are at the center of the country’s gerrymandering debate.
The dispute intensified after US President Trump called on Republicans in Texas last year to redraw the electoral districts. The new arrangement approved in August was projected to give Republicans five additional seats in Congress.
Democrats also sought an advantage ahead of the congressional elections by pushing for similar votes in states where they are stronger. The vote held in California in November 2025 concluded with a result projected to give Democrats five additional seats.
Estimates concerning states that held similar votes put the potential Republican gains at one additional seat in Missouri, two in Ohio and one in North Carolina, while Democrats could gain one additional seat in Utah.