Last Updated: September 18, 2026 
The fight over Missouri’s congressional boundaries continued as the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considered arguments for restoring the newer districts ahead of November’s election.
Brownstone Law previously covered the Supreme Court’s intervention in Supreme Court Blocks Missouri Republican-Backed Congressional Map for 2026 Midterms. That September 10 action suspended a federal district court order requiring Missouri to use its 2025 map while the appeal proceeded.
Attorneys Dispute Whether the Newer Map Can Return
Missouri Solicitor General Lou Capozzi challenged the constitutional basis for allowing a referendum petition to suspend congressional redistricting legislation until voters decide its fate.
An attorney for Republican U.S. Rep. Bob Onder and state Sen. Rick Brattin maintained that the newer districts could still be restored. People Not Politicians attorney Chuck Hatfield argued that the election timetable left insufficient room for another change.
Ballot Preparations Complicate Another Switch
Local election officials told the court that printing was underway using the 2022 boundaries. They warned that switching maps again would create major administrative difficulties and could require hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional spending.
Conflicting Court Orders Led to Federal Appeal
The dispute concerns House Bill 1, Missouri’s 2025 congressional redistricting legislation. Opponents submitted a referendum petition seeking a statewide vote on the measure.
Missouri’s Supreme Court ruled on September 3 that the petition was valid and that the legislation had not taken effect. Under that ruling, the districts adopted in 2022 remained operative unless voters approved the new map.
On September 8, a federal district court ordered the state to use the newer boundaries instead. The court raised constitutional concerns about conducting the primary and general elections under different maps.
The U.S. Supreme Court subsequently stayed that order. Its intervention did not settle the underlying constitutional dispute or permanently invalidate the 2025 map.
What Happens Next?
The appeals judges indicated that they would decide the matter promptly, with further Supreme Court proceedings anticipated. No decision restoring the newer districts was announced in the September 17 report.
The existing Supreme Court stay covers the Eighth Circuit proceedings and consideration of a timely petition seeking further review. Missouri voters are also scheduled to consider the redistricting referendum in November.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. It describes the proceedings reported on September 17, 2026. Arguments presented by attorneys should not be treated as court findings.
