Denny Hoskins Rejects Missouri Congressional Redistricting Referendum and Faces Lawsuit
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a citizens' petition seeking a statewide referendum on the state's new congressional redistricting plan. Despite the submission of over 300,000 signatures, Hoskins asserted that congressional redistricting plans cannot be subject to voter referendums under Missouri law, calling the decision unconstitutional. Supporters of the referendum, led by the group People Not Politicians, filed a lawsuit to contest the decision. The group argues that because the Missouri Constitution does not explicitly forbid a referendum on congressional districts, the people should have the power to vote on the map. If the court rules in favor of the petitioners, the 2025 map could be suspended, potentially requiring redo elections for candidates who competed under the new districts. The new map, backed by the administration, aims to give the Republican party an advantage in the midterm elections. It significantly reshapes the Kansas City-based fifth congressional district to favor a Republicans. If the court rules in favor of the petitioners, it could impact the 2026 election cycle.