US Supreme Court blocks Republican-drawn congressional map in Missouri

What the report says

The US Supreme Court has again refused to let Missouri use a Republican-drawn congressional map in this year’s midterm elections, according to Al Jazeera. The latest unsigned order, issued Thursday in Washington, DC, appears to leave in place the older district boundaries approved after the last census. The dispute could affect which party controls the US House of Representatives, since Missouri is expected to play a role in the national balance of power.

The case has centered on a Trump-backed redistricting plan that would reshape a Kansas City-area district held by Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver and make it harder for Democrats to keep the seat. Missouri Republican officials had argued the new map should apply after changes pushed by President Donald Trump for GOP advantage ahead of the elections. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who handles emergency matters from Missouri, had already declined an earlier request to revive the map.

Al Jazeera reported that the court’s move came as Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins faced contempt proceedings over his handling of the redistricting fight. A state court had ordered him to use the older map and later ordered him to appear for a hearing after he instructed local election officials to proceed with the Trump-backed districts. A federal judge also issued a separate order in the dispute, adding to the confusion over which map voters will see.

More broadly, redistricting battles in Republican-led states have become part of the larger midterm fight over House control. In Missouri, the clash over petitions, court orders and competing maps has prolonged uncertainty for election officials and voters alike.