Twenty GOP-led states join Missouri’s Supreme Court map fight as ballot deadline approaches
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Twenty Republican-led states are backing Missouri’s emergency push to use its 2025 congressional map in November as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether to intervene in the state’s escalating redistricting fight.
Florida, Texas and 18 other states filed a brief Monday supporting Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ request to temporarily block a Missouri Supreme Court ruling that ordered the state to return to its previous congressional districts.
The states argue changing maps after Missouri already held its August primary under the 2025 boundaries could create mass confusion.
They also point to a Sept. 19 federal deadline for sending ballots to military and overseas voters and argue the late change could make it difficult for Missouri to meet that requirement.
The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a referendum petition challenging the Republican-backed 2025 map suspended the new districts until voters decide the issue.
The court ordered Missouri to use the map that governed the 2022 and 2024 elections for the Nov. 3 general election.
Opponents of the new map argue the 2025 boundaries never legally took effect because of the referendum and say Missouri can conduct the November election using the older districts.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh requested a response from opponents Monday. That response has now been filed, leaving the emergency request in position for Kavanaugh or the full Supreme Court to act.
As of Sunday night, no stay or other order had been issued.
For now, the older congressional map remains set for the general election.
The timing is key with Missouri reaching its Tuesday deadline for changes to the November ballot.
