Missouri’s lawsuit over redistricting map tossed out by federal judge
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A federal judge on Monday dismissed a lawsuit filed by the state asking the judge to reject the referendum that would put Missouri's new congressional map on the ballot.
The state sued “People Not Politicians” in an effort to prevent the group from getting a question about a redrawn congressional map on the ballot. Lawmakers recently pushed forward a map that would redraw lines determining who would represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to Judge Zachary Bluestone's decision, the lawsuit doesn't have standing in federal court, noting that Secretary of State Denny Hoskins can reject the referendum during post-submission review.
“Critically, PNP concedes that Plaintiff Denny Hoskins has the authority as Secretary of State to reject their petition as unconstitutional during postsubmission review and to defend that decision based on the very same constitutional arguments the State advances in this case,” Bluestone wrote in his decision. “Moreover, PNP agrees that, absent a successful court challenge, this determination would obviate the need for signature verification, publication, or a vote, and it also would prevent the displacement of the new map—the only redressable harms the State identifies.”
Once People Not Politicians -- the group backing the referendum -- submits its final petition, Hoskins must review the legality and verify signatures, Bluestone writes. If approved, Hoskins will have to hold a public hearing and take comments, prepare the ballot initiative and publicize the referendum.
Bluestone also wrote in his decision that the governor's "Missouri First" Map is frozen until after the referendum, "which could significantly disrupt the 2026 elections."
This decision also comes three days before the deadline for People Not Politicians to submit signatures.
Republican lawmakers had suggested redrawing lines sooner than the state’s typical period of every 10 years after it was requested by President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Critics of the map have called it gerrymandering and it is expected to give Republicans an additional lawmaker to represent the state. The area at the center of the discussion is currently represented by Democratic Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver.
This comes hours after a Cole County judge heard arguments in another court case People Not Politicians filed against the state. The group argues the state violated Sunshine Law because Hoskins didn't approve the referendum for circulation until after the governor signed it.
