The ACLU suit on behalf of two Kansas City-area signatories argues the tactic is designed to delay certification and push the map’s use into 2026.

The petition effort, backed by President Donald Trump, sought to suspend the new map and trigger a statewide vote after collecting more than 300,000 signatures.

Missouri’s constitution allows referendum petitions to pause new laws pending a statewide vote, but critics argue suspensions should wait until the secretary of state verifies signatures, which could come after the candidate filing period.

Missouri’s redistricting dispute is part of a broader national contest over mid-decade redistricting, with parties eyeing potential seat changes across several states.

This development sits within a nationwide mid-decade redistricting debate that could reshape party balance in the 2026 elections.

Across the country, Republicans are pursuing mid-decade redistricting gains in multiple states, with anticipated shifts in 2026.

The suit represents the ninth related legal challenge to Missouri’s new congressional map, including questions about mid-decade redistricting legality and the legality of a special legislative session used to pass the map.

This case is part of a cluster of disputes surrounding the new map and Governor Kehoe’s authority to convene a special session for map changes.

The case could influence Republicans’ attempts to redraw districts in several states, including Missouri, where the map aims to help Republicans pick up a Democrat-held district in Kansas City.

If suspended, the petition could delay certification and potentially alter the map ahead of the 2026 elections, affecting candidate filings from February 24 to March 31.