Missouri high court rules in favor of new GOP-favored map

Missouri's Supreme Court ruled 4-3 Tuesday that state lawmakers may redraw congressional districts mid-cycle, clearing the way for a Republican-favored map that Democrats have fought in court. The majority opinion, written by Judge Zel Fischer, found that the circuit court's earlier decision supporting the new lines was correct. The ruling removes a legal obstacle to maps that give Republicans electoral advantage in the state, a significant victory for the GOP in a closely divided chamber. Democrats had challenged the mid-cycle redistricting as an abuse of power, but the high court's conservative majority disagreed. The decision allows Missouri to implement the new congressional boundaries in upcoming elections.