Last Updated: September 28, 2026 
The ruling follows weeks of conflicting court decisions over Missouri’s congressional boundaries. Election officials had already begun administering voting under the 2022 map, with absentee voting underway and ballots sent to military and overseas voters. Changing districts again would have disrupted an election already in progress.
Brownstone Law previously reported on the emergency appeal returning Missouri’s congressional map dispute to the Supreme Court. The September 25 decision resolves that request for immediate relief.
What Did the Supreme Court Order?
In People Not Politicians v. Onder, No. 26A388, the Court stayed the Eighth Circuit’s September 21 mandate and September 22 order, along with district court injunctions entered on those dates.
The stays remain effective unless the Supreme Court issues a further order lifting them. Its earlier September 10 stay also remains in place. The latest ruling expressly directs the district court and appeals court not to prevent Missouri from using the 2022 map in the 2026 congressional election.
Why Did the Court Block Another Map Change?
The Court emphasized that voting had already started. Ballots using the 2022 districts had been printed and mailed, making another change particularly disruptive.
Its unsigned opinion applied the Purcell principle, which cautions lower federal courts against changing election rules close to an election. The justices also explained that their precedents had not established a constitutional requirement to use the same congressional map for both the primary and general election.
How Did the Dispute Reach This Point?
On September 3, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the 2025 map could not take effect without voter approval after a successful referendum petition. Supporters of the newer districts then pursued federal litigation, arguing that switching maps between the primary and general election violated federal law.
On September 21, the Eighth Circuit directed the district court to require the 2025 map. The resulting injunction was delayed until September 28, allowing time for Supreme Court intervention.
What Does the Decision Mean for November?
Missouri’s congressional election will proceed under the 2022 districts pursuant to the Court’s current orders.
The September 25 ruling grants a stay; it does not permanently invalidate the 2025 map for every future election. The opinion explains that, under the state court’s interpretation of Missouri law, the newer map cannot take effect unless voters approve it through the referendum.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. It reflects court orders and reporting reviewed through September 28, 2026. Further proceedings or orders may affect the litigation.
