A Missouri court has allowed new U.S. House districts backed by President Donald Trump to be used in the November election, rejecting an effort to put the Republican-friendly map to a statewide referendum.
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green issued the ruling Wednesday, agreeing with arguments that Missouri's Constitution does not permit a referendum on congressional redistricting. The decision represents a victory for Republicans seeking to maintain their slim majority in the U.S. House.
The new districts had already been used in the August primaries. On the same day as the judge's ruling, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a petition containing thousands of signatures that sought to force a November referendum on the map. Hoskins asserted that the state's Constitution bars such a referendum on congressional redistricting.
Judge Green's decision aligned with Hoskins' position and other Republican arguments in the case. The ruling clears the way for the districts to remain in place for the general election in November.
The case is expected to proceed to the Missouri State Supreme Court, according to reporting on the decision. Opponents of the redistricting plan have protested the new districts at the state Capitol and courthouse in Jefferson City. Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians, spoke with reporters outside the Cole County Courthouse on Wednesday following the ruling.
The new congressional map was passed by the Missouri General Assembly and has drawn opposition from those who view it as gerrymandered in favor of Republicans. Protesters gathered at the Missouri Capitol in May 2026 and again in March 2026 to voice their opposition to the redistricting plan.
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