Missouri Seeks Supreme Court to Restore GOP-Friendly Congressional Map

Missouri officials filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday, seeking to have the state’s congressional map reinstated after a lower court struck it down. The map, drawn by the Republican‑controlled state legislature, would add a sixth seat to Missouri’s delegation, giving the GOP an extra seat in the House of Representatives. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, a Republican, described the situation as “a federal‑election‑administration disaster is unfolding in Missouri.”

The application argues that the map was drawn in accordance with the state constitution and that the lower court’s decision violated the state’s rights to conduct its own redistricting. Hanaway’s office also cited concerns that the new map would improve the competitiveness of elections and better reflect Missouri’s political geography. The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on the case for early next month, and the decision will determine whether the GOP‑friendly map can be used in the 2024 election cycle.

If the Court rules in Missouri’s favor, the state will retain the sixth congressional seat for the Republican Party, potentially altering the balance of power in the House. Conversely, a ruling against the state would require Missouri to adopt a different map for the upcoming election, leaving the GOP with five seats. The outcome will be closely watched by both parties as it could influence the national partisan composition of the House.