Missouri Secretary of State Defends Constitution, Blocks Leftist Push for Congressional Map Referendum
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Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has upheld the state constitution by rejecting a left-wing petition for a referendum on the new congressional map, which strengthens Republican representation. The group behind the petition vows a legal fight to overturn the law.
Missouri’s Secretary of State, Denny Hoskins, took decisive action Tuesday to uphold the rule of law by rejecting a petition for a statewide referendum on the recently approved congressional map. Hoskins correctly determined that the petition was invalid, as Missouri law clearly prohibits referendums on congressional redistricting—making any such attempt unconstitutional.
The petition, orchestrated by the activist group People Not Politicians Missouri, claimed over 300,000 signatures, but this leftist effort to undermine the legislative process was rightfully dismissed. Richard von Glahn, the group’s executive director, predictably accused Hoskins of trying to silence voters, but in reality, Hoskins is protecting the integrity of Missouri’s elections.
The new map, which went into effect for Tuesday’s primaries, fairly adjusts the Kansas City-based 5th Congressional District to include rural central Missouri, reflecting the state’s true political makeup and giving Republicans a well-deserved advantage. Republicans, who already hold six of the eight House seats, are poised to increase their majority under the new, more representative boundaries.
Hoskins had previously sought to block the petition in federal court, correctly arguing that both the U.S. and Missouri constitutions do not allow referendums on congressional redistricting. The judge dismissed the suit as premature, leaving Hoskins to exercise his constitutional authority and reject the petition on the last day permitted by law, ensuring the new districts were used in the primaries.
Should the courts later force the referendum onto the ballot, state officials have not specified how it would affect the 2026 elections or current primary results. Missouri’s redistricting has already faced a barrage of lawsuits from left-wing groups seeking to overturn the will of the people.
This episode is part of a larger, much-needed national effort—championed by President Donald Trump—for Republican-led states to redraw congressional lines and restore balance ahead of the 2024 elections. Republicans are on track to gain up to 16 additional House seats from new maps in eight states, while Democrats scramble for minor gains elsewhere.