Missouri court upholds GOP’s gerrymandered map for midterms, other legal challenges continue

A circuit court judge ruled Thursday to uphold the Missouri GOP’s gerrymandered congressional map in a case* challenging its legality — but it remains unclear whether the map will actually be used in the 2026 midterm elections.

In the case, a group of Missouri voters claimed the new map violated the state constitution’s prohibition on mid-decade redistricting and created “non-compact” districts to dilute the voting power of Black communities.

After holding a four-day trial in February, circuit judge Adam Caine determined that the plaintiffs failed to “prove clearly and undoubtedly that the 2025 Plan was not as compact as may be.” 

Caine went on to state that courts should not interfere in redistricting unless plaintiffs meet the heavy burden required under Missouri law and concluded that political decisions are best left to political leaders.

The court declined to address the legality of mid-decade redistricting until the Missouri Supreme Court formally weighs in on a parallel lawsuit addressing the same issue. The state’s highest court heard arguments in that case earlier this week and appeared poised to affirm a lower court ruling in favor of the GOP-controlled legislature. 

However, other legal challenges to the map continue. A ruling is also expected soon in a case arguing that the new gerrymander is suspended until Missourians get the chance to vote in a veto referendum election on the map. 

But with Missouri candidate filing set to end March 31, time is running out for courts to resolve the matter. 

*The Elias Law Group (ELG) is representing some plaintiffs in the case. ELG Firm Chair Marc Elias is the founder of Democracy Docket.