Unless courts intervene, it's looking more likely that Missouri voters will ultimately get to decide the fate of the GOP's congressional map — meaning the gerrymandered districts might not take effect for the 2026 election cycle.

Republicans in the Missouri legislature passed a new congressional map last month as part of a national GOP strategy to prevent Democrats from taking control of the U.S. House.

But a looming referendum could derail plans to implement new congressional lines aimed at ousting Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver — even if voters approve the map in November 2026.

Since the map passed, redistricting foes have filed a flurry of lawsuits and started collecting signatures to let voters decide on the plan in the November 2026 election cycle. While it is hypothetic

See Full Page