Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway's office filed an emergency application on Friday, arguing that the lower court's decision to strike down the map, which adds one GOP seat, has created a "federal-election-administration disaster." The state urged the high court to restore the map to avoid what it called "unprecedented chaos." The Supreme Court has not yet responded to the request.
Missouri asks Supreme Court to restore GOP-friendly congressional map
State warns of 'unprecedented chaos' in midterm elections after lower court invalidated map
Missouri officials have asked the Supreme Court to reinstate the state's Republican-friendly congressional map, which a lower court invalidated, warning that the ruling threatens to disrupt the upcoming midterm elections.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- The outcome could affect the balance of power in the U.S. House, as the map gave Republicans an additional seat.
- The case tests how aggressively courts police partisan gerrymandering and could set a precedent for other states.
- With midterms approaching, election administrators face uncertainty if the map is not settled.
Background
Missouri's new congressional map, drawn after the 2020 census, was challenged as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander. A lower court ruled against it, but the state is appealing. The Supreme Court has previously allowed some partisan gerrymandering but has not always intervened.
Key Perspectives
- Missouri Republicans: The map was lawfully enacted by the legislature. They argue that the lower court's ruling interferes with a state's redistricting authority and risks electoral chaos.
- Democratic and voting rights groups: They view the map as an extreme gerrymander that dilutes Democratic votes and violates the state constitution or federal law.
- Critics: They caution that restoring the map could entrench unfair districts and undermine representative democracy.
What to Watch
- The Supreme Court's decision on the emergency application, which could come quickly.
- Whether the Court sets a fuller briefing schedule or grants oral arguments.
- The effect on candidate filing deadlines and primary dates in Missouri.