The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit declined to disturb a federal district judge's ruling that keeps Missouri's current congressional map in place for the 2026 midterm elections.

The decision means the map drawn in 2025, which allocates seven of the state's eight House seats to Republicans and one to a Democrat, will govern the November contests. The map remains in effect pending further proceedings.

Missouri's congressional districts have been the subject of legal challenges over the past year. The 2025 map replaced an earlier version and produced the current 7-1 partisan split in the delegation.

The Eighth Circuit's action preserves the status quo for candidate filing and campaigning ahead of the midterms. No immediate change to district lines is required.

Redistricting disputes in Missouri and other states often center on claims of partisan advantage or compliance with federal voting laws. The appeals court's order leaves the existing boundaries unchanged for the upcoming election cycle.

The ruling comes as both parties prepare for the 2026 contests, which will determine control of the U.S. House. Missouri's delegation has leaned heavily Republican under the 2025 lines.