Political analysts and observers bashed the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday after it issued a decision that some argued disregarded the law.
In a 4-3 ruling, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the Republican-controlled state legislature's efforts to redraw the state election map were constitutional. The ruling paved the way for Republicans to compete in the deep blue Missouri 5th Congressional District, which has been held by a Democrat since 1949. The seat is currently held by Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO).
"The obligation to legislate congressional districts once a decade does not limit the General Assembly’s power to redistrict more frequently than once a decade,” Judge Zel Fischer argued in the majority opinion, which was reported by Politico.
Political analysts and observers blasted the ruling on social media.
"Disregarding the law set forth centuries ago, it seems," author G. Brian Kurtz posted on Bluesky. "Census is taken, representation set forth based on those numbers. Gerrymandering is wrong when/if districts drawn represent their contained population. Period."
"We’ve already seen this in other states on both sides," historian Barry Bradford posted on X. "It has nothing to do with being a democracy. It has everything to do with Republicans in Missouri wanting power."
"Honestly, I’m surprised there were 3 dissents," political commentator Isaiah Walker posted on X. "Nothing in Missouri law stops them from redrawing mid-decade. Notable that this is not a referendum decision, of course."
"Zero surprise," Elijah Haar, host of "The Elijah Haar Show" on local radio station KWTO, posted on X.
