Missouri Supreme Court orders congressional map referendum for 2026 ballot
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The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the 2022 congressional redistricting map must be placed on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval, overturning the secretary of state’s earlier refusal.
The Missouri Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision requiring that the state’s 2022 congressional redistricting map be submitted to voters in the November 2026 general election. The court found the referendum petition filed by opponents to be legal, sufficient and timely, and ordered Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to certify its sufficiency and place it on the ballot before Sept. 8.
The ruling states that HB 1, the legislation enacting the new map, will not take effect unless approved by voters, and it restrains the secretary and associated officials from implementing the map for the 2026 election. The court also affirmed that the 2022 redistricting remains in force for the upcoming election cycle.
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said she will seek an emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court to allow use of the new map, acknowledging the decision was unexpected. She indicated the state would accept the old map if the stay is denied and anticipated further lawsuits from candidates affected by the change.
Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver, whose district was altered by the map, welcomed the decision as a win for Missouri voters. Republican State Senator Rick Brattin criticized the ruling as unconstitutional and said he intends to pursue legal action.
The court’s order follows a 2025 approval of the map by Governor Mike Kehoe and a series of lawsuits challenging its constitutionality and timing. The decision now sets the stage for a statewide referendum on the congressional districts.