KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A federal appeals court on Thursday heard arguments in a high-stakes dispute that could determine which congressional map Missourians will use in the Nov. 2026 general election.
Legal battle follows conflicting court orders
The case stems from competing rulings and rapid legal maneuvering since Missouri lawmakers adopted a new congressional plan in a 2025 special session. That plan, referred to as the 2025 map, was challenged by a veto petition that gathered more than 300,000 signatures. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the petition on the day of the August primary, prompting a state lawsuit.
The August primary was held under the 2025 map. On Sept. 3, the Missouri Supreme Court issued a restraint directing Hoskins not to use the 2025 map for the November general election unless voters approve HB 1. Hoskins initially complied but reversed course on Sept. 8, saying he was following a temporary restraining order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
That turn of events led the state court to find Hoskins in civil contempt. He later purged the contempt after the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the federal court’s orders, and Hoskins directed election officials to revert to the 2022 map.
Who is before the Eighth Circuit
The federal case was brought by U.S. Rep. Bob Onder and candidate Rick Brattin, who argued they and other voters would be disenfranchised if different maps govern the primary and general elections. A federal district court issued a temporary restraining order that conflicted with the Missouri Supreme Court’s ruling. That TRO was appealed to the Eighth Circuit by People Not Politicians and intervenor Richard Von Glahn.
The three-judge Eighth Circuit panel on Thursday heard arguments from the plaintiffs, the state and People Not Politicians, which is intervening and contends it is now too late to change maps because county clerks have already begun preparing ballots for November.
Potential consequences and timetable
At stake is both the map under which voters will cast ballots and the administrative logistics of finalizing ballots, printing and distributing materials to county election authorities across Missouri. A ruling from the Eighth Circuit could come quickly; if the appeals court does not resolve the dispute, the matter could return to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Voter confusion: Different maps for the primary and general elections could lead to inconsistent ballots and voter uncertainty.
- Ballot printing: County clerks already preparing ballots could face costly reprints and logistical delays.
- Legal precedent: The case could influence how federal and state courts interact when their orders conflict in election law disputes.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Missouri lawmakers adopt the new congressional map during a special session |
| Aug. 2026 | Veto petition gathers over 300,000 signatures; Secretary of State rejects the petition on primary day |
| Sept. 3, 2026 | Missouri Supreme Court restrains Hoskins from using the 2025 map for Nov. unless HB 1 is approved |
| Sept. 8–10, 2026 | Federal TRO issued; Hoskins reverses and later purges contempt after U.S. Supreme Court action |
| Sept. 2026 | Eighth Circuit hears appeal over conflicting court orders |
Parties and positions
Onder and Brattin argue the use of different maps in the primary and general elections would disenfranchise candidates and voters. The state defended the federal court order that temporarily allowed the 2025 map. People Not Politicians intervened, warning that changing maps now would disrupt county clerks who have begun creating November ballots.
The American Civil Liberties Union has also signaled interest in the litigation, joining efforts to let voters decide on which congressional plan should stand and preparing for possible escalation to the U.S. Supreme Court.
What to watch next
The Eighth Circuit did not issue a ruling during Thursday’s hearing. Observers expect a decision that could come in days or weeks. If the appeals court declines to settle the dispute, the matter could return to the U.S. Supreme Court, which earlier intervened briefly in the procedural back-and-forth.
For Missourians, the key practical concern will be whether county election officials must revise ballots already in production and how quickly any ruling can be implemented without disrupting election administration. State, federal and local officials now await the written opinion that will clarify which judicial directives control ahead of the November election.
Gabriela Montez is a state correspondent for WE NEWS covering Missouri government and politics.
