Missouri court to decide on gerrymandered congressional map

Judge to rule on lawsuit challenging redrawn districts passed by state legislature

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Cole County judge heard arguments on Tuesday regarding the use of a gerrymandered congressional map passed by the Missouri legislature last fall. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU on behalf of state residents, questions the status of the new map after a citizen group called People Not Politicians submitted a referendum petition with over 300,000 signatures.

Why it matters

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the fairness of Missouri's congressional districts and the integrity of the state's electoral process. Gerrymandering has been a contentious issue, with concerns that redrawn maps unfairly favor one political party over another.

The details

The hearing took place in a small courtroom in the Cole County Courthouse, with media and lawyers in attendance. The central question is whether the new congressional map passed by the legislature should be used in this year's elections, or if the referendum petition submitted by the citizen group has put the map on hold.

  • The hearing was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The Missouri legislature passed the new congressional map in the fall of 2025.

The players

Judge Brian Stumpe

The Cole County judge presiding over the hearing.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

The organization that filed the lawsuit on behalf of state residents challenging the gerrymandered congressional map.

People Not Politicians

A citizen group that submitted a referendum petition with over 300,000 signatures, potentially putting the new congressional map on hold.

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What’s next

The judge in the case is expected to rule on the status of the new congressional map in the coming weeks, which could determine the districts used in this year's elections.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over gerrymandering and the efforts by citizens and advocacy groups to challenge redrawn district maps that may unfairly favor one political party. The outcome could have significant implications for the fairness of Missouri's electoral process.