Democrats attempted to derail a Republican congressional map just weeks before the midterms, but a Missouri judge has slammed that door shut.

Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ruled that the state’s referendum process cannot be used to overturn a congressional map enacted by the General Assembly. The decision ensures Missouri’s Republican-backed districts remain in effect for the November election.

The ruling follows Democrats’ effort to challenge the map through a petition gathering over 300,000 signatures. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the petition on August 4, arguing that congressional redistricting is a legislative responsibility not subject to statewide referendum under Missouri law.

Judge Green determined that Missouri’s constitutional provisions do not transfer congressional redistricting authority from the legislature to voters. He upheld Hoskins’ decision and denied the campaign’s request to force Proposition A onto the November ballot.

The decision preserves the districts used in Missouri’s August primaries for the general election, avoiding confusion after nominations were completed. The new map, enacted by Governor Mike Kehoe during a special session on August 29, 2025, reshapes Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-based 5th District and keeps all sitting members of Missouri’s delegation in their existing districts.

Republicans had argued the map would be more compact and contiguous, better aligning with state political trends. The ruling gives Republicans a critical victory in the national fight for control of the House as they aim to flip one of Missouri’s seats.

The case is now set for oral arguments before the Missouri Supreme Court in September. For now, the Republican map remains operative.