Missouri Supreme Court blocks GOP‑drawn map from November ballots; referendum will decide future

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the GOP‑drawn congressional map cannot be used in the November 2026 general election; a referendum on HB 1 must appear on the ballot to decide the map’s future, meaning fall elections will be held under the old district lines. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver would therefore seek re‑election in his old seat, which is more Democratic. The ruling followed a challenge by People Not Politicians Missouri, after the secretary of state initially refused to certify the referendum. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said she will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, calling the decision unprecedented and signaling further legal battles ahead.