Denny Hoskins Rejects Missouri Congressional Redistricting Referendum Due to Unconstitutionality
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins announced on Tuesday that he would not certify a petition seeking a statewide referendum on the state's new congressional redistricting map. Hoskins argued that the effort was unconstitutional under both Missouri and U.S. state and federal law, asserting that congressional redistricting plans are not meant to be subject to voter referendums. This decision follows a push by the administration to have GOP-led states redraw districts to secure a House majority. The new map, approved by the Republican-led legislature, reshapes the Kansas City-based fifth district to favor Republicans. While the group People Not Politicians Missouri gathered over 300,000 signatures to force the vote, Hoskins maintained that the number of signatures was irrelevant because the map's repeal was unconstitutional. Opponents, led by Richard von Glahn, plan to challenge the decision in court. If a judge rules against Hoskins, the state may face a logistical challenge in determining how to run the general election under the new map versus the previous districts.