Missouri Asks Supreme Court to Allow Trump-Backed Congressional Districts for Midterms

Missouri is asking the US Supreme Court to overturn its own state court's decision and allow new congressional districts in the midterm election. AP News reported that the state's highest court already blocked the new map and ordered a statewide referendum in November on whether voters want to keep it. The redrawn districts were designed to help Republicans gain an extra House seat and protect their narrow majority.
The new districts were crafted to boost Republican chances in the midterm elections. AP News noted that the map gives Republicans a better shot at winning an additional seat in the House. Missouri's move comes as both parties fight hard to gain every possible seat heading into November's vote.
Missouri's highest court rejected the new districts before the primary elections were even held. The court then ordered state voters to decide the map's fate in a November referendum. This rare move forced a legal showdown between the court and state officials pushing the new boundaries.
Missouri's Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told the Supreme Court that no court in American history has overturned a congressional map after primary elections but before the general election. AP News reported that Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins also fought back, claiming Missouri's constitution does not allow referendums on redistricting. State leaders say the timing creates chaos for voters and candidates.
The nation's highest court must decide whether to side with Missouri's Republican leaders or respect the state court's ruling. AP News indicated the decision could affect how redistricting disputes are handled nationwide. The ruling may set a precedent for whether courts can change election maps this close to voting day.
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