August 19th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has rejected a petition that sought to place the state's new congressional district map before voters in a statewide referendum.
The petition, organized by the group People Not Politicians Missouri, included more than 300,000 signatures from supporters seeking to overturn the congressional map approved by the Missouri General Assembly and backed by President Donald Trump.
Hoskins ruled the referendum is not allowed under Missouri's Constitution, saying congressional redistricting legislation is exempt from the referendum process. As a result, the new congressional boundaries will remain in effect unless overturned through ongoing legal challenges.
Supporters of the petition criticized the decision and say they intend to challenge the ruling in court, arguing Missouri voters should have the opportunity to decide whether the new congressional map should remain in place.
The congressional map was redrawn during a special legislative session and is designed to give Republicans a stronger advantage in Missouri's U.S. House delegation. The districts are already being used for the 2026 election cycle while court challenges continue.