Missouri’s Supreme Court has heard oral arguments Wednesday in two key cases involving Missouri’s new congressional redistricting map and referendums.
Legislation redrawing Missouri’s eight congressional districts was approved by the GOP-controlled Missouri Legislature and signed by GOP Governor Mike Kehoe in September 2025. The Missouri Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, ruled in March that the new map is constitutional.
A group known as People Not Politicians began a referendum campaign after the new map was signed aimed at letting voters either approve or reject that change. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins (R) argued that the state Constitution does not allow a referendum on the Legislature’s congressional redistricting plans. A Cole County judge agreed with Secretary Hoskins, saying the state Constitution’s referendum power does not apply to the Legislature’s congressional redistricting.
The court heard oral arguments on Wednesday. Attorney Chuck Hatfield, who represents “People Not Politicians”, is asking the Supreme Court to reverse the Cole County circuit court’s decision. Counselor Hatfield says the people’s power to conduct a referendum about “any act of the General Assembly” applies to congressional redistricting. Counselor Hatfield is asking the Supreme Court to use what he calls the plain language in the state Constitution on this.
Both sides spoke to reporters after the proceedings and are hopeful. Secretary Hoskins says he will abide by any decision made by the state Supreme Court.
The court has NOT ruled yet. They have until Tuesday September 8 to decide whether the proposed referendum will appear on your November ballot.