Judge Clears Trump-Backed Missouri Congressional Map
5 hours ago
A Missouri judge has cleared the way for new congressional districts backed by President Donald Trump to be used in November’s midterm elections, rejecting an effort to put the Republican-friendly map before voters.
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ruled Wednesday that Missouri’s Constitution does not clearly allow voters to challenge congressional redistricting through the state’s referendum process. The decision upheld Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ rejection of a petition seeking a statewide vote on the map.
Opponents had submitted thousands of petition signatures in an effort to place the issue on the November ballot. The new districts were already used during Missouri’s August primaries.
The map reshapes Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-area district by adding more Republican-leaning territory. Republicans hope the new boundaries will give the party an opportunity to pick up an additional U.S. House seat as it fights to maintain its narrow congressional majority.
The legal fight is not necessarily over. Opponents have appealed the ruling, meaning the dispute could ultimately be decided by the Missouri Supreme Court.
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ruled Wednesday that Missouri’s Constitution does not clearly allow voters to challenge congressional redistricting through the state’s referendum process. The decision upheld Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ rejection of a petition seeking a statewide vote on the map.
Opponents had submitted thousands of petition signatures in an effort to place the issue on the November ballot. The new districts were already used during Missouri’s August primaries.
The map reshapes Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-area district by adding more Republican-leaning territory. Republicans hope the new boundaries will give the party an opportunity to pick up an additional U.S. House seat as it fights to maintain its narrow congressional majority.
The legal fight is not necessarily over. Opponents have appealed the ruling, meaning the dispute could ultimately be decided by the Missouri Supreme Court.
