Missouri Judge Rules Governor's Special Session on Redistricting Was Constitutional

The ruling allows Republicans to solidify their congressional advantage in the state.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A Missouri court has ruled that Governor Mike Kehoe had the constitutional authority to convene a special legislative session that resulted in the passage of a new congressional map. The new map is expected to give Republicans a 7-1 edge in the state's congressional delegation, up from their current 6-2 advantage.

Why it matters

Redistricting battles have become increasingly partisan across the country, with both parties jockeying to redraw district lines to their advantage. This ruling in Missouri allows the Republican-controlled state government to cement its grip on the state's congressional representation, despite Democrats' legal challenges.

The details

The Missouri NAACP filed a lawsuit against state officials, including Governor Kehoe, in an attempt to stop the special session from happening. The lawsuit alleged that Kehoe's reasoning for calling the session did not qualify as an 'extraordinary occasion' as required by the state constitution. However, Judge Christopher Limbaugh ruled that the governor has the constitutional discretion to determine what qualifies as an extraordinary occasion.

  • Governor Kehoe called the special legislative session on August 29, 2025.
  • The Missouri NAACP filed the lawsuit against state officials in September 2025.

The players

Governor Mike Kehoe

The Republican governor of Missouri who convened the special legislative session that resulted in the new congressional map.

Judge Christopher Limbaugh

The Missouri judge who ruled that Governor Kehoe had the constitutional authority to call the special session.

Missouri NAACP

The civil rights organization that filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Governor Kehoe's special session.

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What’s next

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is scheduled to testify this week over a lawsuit alleging the new congressional map violates the Missouri Constitution.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing partisan battles over redistricting across the country, with both parties seeking to redraw district lines to their advantage. The decision in Missouri allows Republicans to solidify their control of the state's congressional delegation, despite legal challenges from Democrats.