A Missouri judge ruled on August 20, 2026, that the state's referendum process cannot be used to challenge congressional maps drawn by the Legislature, allowing a new map that favors the Republican Party to remain in effect for the upcoming midterm elections. Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green sided with Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, stating that Missouri's constitutional referendum provisions do not apply to congressional redistricting enacted by the General Assembly. The ruling also confirmed that Hoskins' decision not to certify a referendum petition was lawful, maintaining the Republican-backed congressional map for the 2026 general election.
The new boundaries, which were designed to assist Republican candidates, particularly target Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City. Approximately 59% of voters in the altered district are new to it, according to an estimate from the Associated Press. The map has already been utilized in Missouri's August primaries. Opponents of the map had collected signatures for a statewide referendum, but their petition was rejected by Hoskins, who argued that the Constitution does not permit such a referendum for congressional redistricting. The ruling is part of a larger national redistricting effort by Republican-led states ahead of the midterm elections.