Daniel Green

A Missouri judge ruled that constitutional referendum provisions do not apply to congressional redistricting enacted by the General Assembly, allowing a new map favored by Republicans to remain in place for the 2026 general election. The ruling was a major victory cited as helping determine control of the U.S. House. Opponents attempting to force a statewide referendum on the boundaries were unsuccessful.

A Missouri judge, Daniel Green, ruled that the state's constitutional referendum provisions do not apply to congressional redistricting drawn by the General Assembly, allowing a Republican-backed map to remain for the 2026 general election. The ruling sided with Denny Hoskins and preserved boundaries passed by Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature. This decision follows Donald Trump urging GOP-controlled states to redraw boundaries ahead of the midterms.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins denied placing two measures—one concerning congressional map referenda and one on changes to the initiative process—on the November ballot despite reports that they gathered sufficient signatures. Supporters allege that Hoskins is blocking the initiatives due to opposition, while Hoskins maintains that the proposals violate constitutional limits for petitions. Multiple legal trials are scheduled to determine if either measure will be presented to Missouri voters.

A lawsuit seeks to compel Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to decide if a referendum challenging the state's new congressional map qualifies for the November ballot before the August 4 primary. The political action committee People Not Politicians claims Hoskins and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway are delaying a decision, while Hoskins argues he needs the full allotted time to review petitions that may meet constitutional thresholds.