Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins announced on August 4, 2026, that he would not certify a referendum aimed at overturning the state's newly drawn congressional map, which was established by the Republican-led legislature. Hoskins stated that the referendum was unconstitutional, citing both state and federal law. The map, approved 11 months prior, was part of a broader effort to strengthen the GOP's position in the House ahead of the midterm elections.
The group People Not Politicians Missouri claimed to have gathered over 300,000 signatures to initiate a veto referendum, exceeding the required 106,000 signatures. However, Hoskins maintained that a referendum on congressional redistricting is not permissible under the Missouri Constitution. He indicated that both Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and Governor Mike Kehoe supported his decision.
Richard von Glahn, Executive Director of People Not Politicians Missouri, stated that they would pursue legal action against Hoskins' decision, asserting that they had verified sufficient signatures for the referendum. The situation is expected to lead to court challenges, and it remains uncertain if the previous congressional map could be reinstated if a judge rules in favor of the referendum. Hoskins expressed hope that the courts would uphold his decision, emphasizing the proximity to the upcoming elections.