Missouri court allows Trump-backed House map

A United States — Missouri judge, Daniel Green, ruled that the new U.S. House districts backed by President Donald Trump can be used in the November elections, rejecting a bid to put the Republican-friendly map to a statewide referendum. The ruling, issued by the United States — Cole County Circuit Court, sided with Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who had rejected a petition seeking a referendum, and with other Republican officials. The judge found that the United States — Missouri Constitution does not clearly allow a referendum on congressional redistricting. Opponents, led by People Not Politicians, immediately announced an appeal to the United States — Supreme Court of the United States. The new map, enacted after a special session called by Governor Mike Kehoe, is designed to help Republicans defeat Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver by moving parts of Kansas City into neighboring Republican districts and stretching his 5th District into rural areas. The redistricting is part of a broader national effort by Republicans to redraw congressional maps in several states, potentially gaining up to 16 additional seats, while Democrats hope to gain up to six seats in United States — California and United States — Utah.