Supreme Court again blocks Missouri from using Trump-backed congressional maps

The Supreme Court turned back another effort to use Missouri congressional maps supported by President Donald Trump.

"The application for stay presented to Justice [Brett] Kavanaugh and by him referred to the Court is granted," Thursday's ruling read.

The court's brief order was unsigned and gave no explanation, as is common when the justices handle emergency matters. No justice publicly dissented from the decision.

While the Missouri Supreme Court's ruling paved the way for use of the old maps, the state's Aug. 4 primary was already held under the new maps.

MISSOURI AG FILES PETITION ASKING SUPREME COURT TO REVIVE TRUMP-BACKED REDISTRICTING MAP

"After repeated legal victories defending Missouri's fair and lawful map, this 11th-hour ruling pulls the rug out from under voters who already cast their primary ballots," RNC Election Integrity Communications Director Ally Triolo wrote in a statement. "Changing the rules mid-election is reckless and wrong."

The court's decision came after U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark ordered Missouri to use the new map, conflicting with a unanimous ruling by the Missouri Supreme Court that said the districts had not legally taken effect and that the state's older map should be used unless voters approve the changes.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's stay, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins said his office is directing local election authorities to use the 2022 congressional map.

MISSOURI HIGH COURT BLOCKS GOP-BACKED CONGRESSIONAL MAPS AHEAD OF MIDTERMS; TRUMP BLASTS 'RIDICULOUS' RULING

"Following the United States Supreme Court's stay, the only governing court order in effect is from the Missouri Supreme Court. In accordance with that order, my Office is directing local election authorities to use the 2022 congressional map," Hoskins said in a statement.

Republican state officials have argued it would violate voters' federal rights to switch districts before the general election.

The Missouri Supreme Court also ordered Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to appear at a contempt hearing Thursday, after he instructed local election officials to use the new districts. A federal judge declined to halt that hearing before the Supreme Court issued its order.

The redrawn map was approved by Missouri Republicans in 2025. It dismantles the Kansas City-based 5th Congressional District held by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., by shifting portions of the seat into neighboring districts and extending the remainder into heavily Republican areas.

The way the map was designed gave Republicans a strong chance of winning seven of Missouri's eight House seats, compared with the current six-to-two Republican advantage.

Opponents of the map, including the group People Not Politicians, submitted hundreds of thousands of petition signatures seeking a statewide referendum. The Missouri Supreme Court ordered that referendum to appear on the November ballot, meaning voters will decide whether the redrawn map can be used in future elections.

Republicans currently hold a 219-214 majority in the House, including one independent who caucuses with the GOP.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.