The last legal battle over Missouri’s 2025 redistricting plan took place on September 17, 2026, with a panel of federal appeals court judges hearing arguments from Republicans seeking to reinstate a congressional map designed to assist the GOP in flipping a Democratic-held seat. The hearing, conducted via videoconference before the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, involved discussions regarding a recent U.S. Supreme Court order, the parties' legal standing, and whether it is too late to modify Missouri’s congressional districts ahead of the November 3 election.
Judge James Loken, presiding over the panel, emphasized the need for a final resolution, expressing concern over the timing of any potential changes. He stated, "Can we come to a disposition in time for there to be an election?" and acknowledged the court's responsibility to adhere to the Supreme Court's directives.
If the judges decide to alter the district map, it would mark the fourth modification since September 3, with the possibility of a fifth if the U.S. Supreme Court reverses the decision. The current legal questions arise from a referendum petition filed by the political action committee People Not Politicians, which seeks a statewide vote on the redistricting plan approved by Republicans during a special legislative session in 2025.
Previous court cases have clarified the authority of the General Assembly and the governor to revise district lines in special sessions, as well as the secretary of state's role in reviewing signatures. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the referendum on the day of the primary, deeming it unconstitutional, despite his attorneys acknowledging that it met the signature threshold. The Missouri Supreme Court subsequently ordered the use of the 2022 map for the November 3 election, ruling that the referendum was legal.
The referendum, labeled Proposition A, will allow voters to approve or reject the new map, with a "yes" vote adopting it for 2028 and a "no" vote continuing the use of the 2022 map.
The hearing included sharp exchanges between Judge Loken and Chuck Hatfield, attorney for People Not Politicians, regarding the implications of the Supreme Court's language. Loken argued that the 8th Circuit could issue a final ruling, while Hatfield contended that the stay prevents the 2025 map from taking effect during the appeal process.
Judge David Stras questioned the standing of People Not Politicians in pursuing the appeal, while Marc Ellinger, representing Onder and Brattin, stated that their interest was solely in the referendum's occurrence. Missouri’s solicitor general, Lou Capozzi, supported Onder and Brattin's position but expressed differing views on the standing of People Not Politicians.