Home · Politics · Sep 13 archive
Missouri Supreme Court Halts GOP Gerrymander, Likely Costing Republicans a Seat
Confirmed
In Short: The Missouri Supreme Court has ruled that the state's newly drawn congressional map cannot be used in this year's midterm elections, a decision that could cost Republicans a House seat.
Missouri's Supreme Court has ruled that the state's newly drawn congressional map cannot be used in this year's midterm elections, dealing a blow to Republicans. The court ruled that a referendum on whether the map can be used must be included on the November ballot, meaning Missouri's fall elections will take place under its previous district lines. This decision, which comes after more than a year of legal battles, could affect over 1 million voters and likely net Democrats one House seat.
According to reports, the court's decision is a significant blow to Republicans, who had hoped the changes would help them win seven of Missouri's eight House seats in the November midterm elections. The GOP currently holds six of the state's eight seats, while Democrats hold two. The change will now use the 2022 map, which keeps Emanuel Cleaver's district more favorable to Democrats.
Missouri's Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said in a social media post that she will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the decision. The Missouri Supreme Court's ruling is part of a broader trend, with the Virginia Supreme Court also striking down Democrats' voter-approved gerrymander. This decision is seen as a victory for democracy, with Richard von Glahn, executive director of the group, stating, 'People, not politicians, will have the final say.
The Missouri Supreme Court's decision is likely to have a ripple effect across the country, as courts across the nation are watching what happens in Missouri. This unprecedented decision clearly violates federal law and has thrust the state into a full-fledged constitutional crisis, according to Hanaway.
What's confirmed
- Missouri's Supreme Court has ruled that the state's newly drawn congressional map cannot be used in this year's midterm elections, dealing a blow to Republicans. The court ruled that a referendum on whether the map can be used must be included on the November ballot, meaning Missouri's fall elections will take place under its previous district lines. This decision, which comes after more than a year of legal battles, could affect over 1 million voters and likely net Democrats one House seat.
- According to reports, the court's decision is a significant blow to Republicans, who had hoped the changes would help them win seven of Missouri's eight House seats in the November midterm elections. The GOP currently holds six of the state's eight seats, while Democrats hold two. The change will now use the 2022 map, which keeps Emanuel Cleaver's district more favorable to Democrats.
- Missouri's Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said in a social media post that she will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the decision. The Missouri Supreme Court's ruling is part of a broader trend, with the Virginia Supreme Court also striking down Democrats' voter-approved gerrymander. This decision is seen as a victory for democracy, with Richard von Glahn, executive director of the group, stating, 'People, not politicians, will have the final say.
- The Missouri Supreme Court's decision is likely to have a ripple effect across the country, as courts across the nation are watching what happens in Missouri. This unprecedented decision clearly violates federal law and has thrust the state into a full-fledged constitutional crisis, according to Hanaway.
What's still developing
- The court ruled unanimously on Thursday that a referendum petition organized by Democrats to put the new congressional maps to a vote was incorrectly deemed insufficient by Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, and ordered that the gerrymandered map be put to a vote in the fall.
- A major midterm shakeup unfolds as the Missouri Supreme Court blocks the state's new congressional map despite its use in primaries where over 1.2 million citizens voted.
- Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the ruling, which President Trump called a 'dark day.' Republicans suffered a fresh blow in Missouri after the Supreme Court blocked a congressional map that could have helped the GOP gain another House seat in November.
- The Supreme Court did not explain its reasoning in the brief order.
- But those boundaries will change before the November election, when Missouri is expected to return to its 2022 map.
- Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City district into more Republican-leaning areas, making the seat more competitive.
- The application, written by Missouri Solicitor General Lou Capozzi, starts with a grim warning.
- “A federal-election-administration disaster is unfolding in Missouri,” Capozzi wrote.