Missouri Republicans Accused of Aggressive Gerrymandering Tactics

State officials face legal challenges over new congressional map and referendum process

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Missouri Republicans have been accused of an aggressive and legally questionable effort to block a referendum on the state's newly redrawn congressional districts, which critics say dilute the voting power of Democratic and minority voters. The state's Secretary of State has faced lawsuits over the ballot summary language, while the Attorney General has taken legal action to prevent the referendum from even reaching the ballot.

Why it matters

The battle over Missouri's congressional map highlights the ongoing partisan gerrymandering battles across the country, with Republicans accused of manipulating district boundaries to maintain political power. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.

The details

Missouri Republicans redrew the state's congressional districts in September 2026 at the urging of former President Donald Trump, who expected Republicans to face challenges in the upcoming midterm elections. The new map is designed to reduce Democratic representation in the state's congressional delegation from 40% to just 12.5%. Advocacy group People Not Politicians collected over 300,000 signatures to put a referendum on the November ballot that would allow voters to approve or reject the new map. However, state officials have taken a series of legal actions to block the referendum, including misleading ballot language and attempts to disqualify signature gatherers.

  • In September 2026, Missouri lawmakers passed a new congressional map.
  • People Not Politicians collected over 300,000 signatures to put a referendum on the November 2026 ballot.

The players

People Not Politicians

A grassroots advocacy group that collected signatures to put a referendum on the ballot to allow voters to approve or reject Missouri's new congressional map.

Denny Hoskins

Missouri's Secretary of State, who has been accused of misleading ballot language and delaying tactics to block the referendum.

Catherine Hanaway

Missouri's Attorney General, who has filed federal lawsuits to try to prevent the referendum from reaching the ballot.

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What they’re saying

“Citizens shouldn't have to deal with this carnival of bad faith every time they seek to exercise their rights to the referendum.”

— Bridgette Dunlap, Author (alternet.org)

What’s next

The referendum on Missouri's new congressional map is scheduled to appear on the November 2026 ballot, but state officials continue to face legal challenges over the process.

The takeaway

The battle over Missouri's congressional map highlights the ongoing partisan gerrymandering battles across the country, with Republicans accused of manipulating district boundaries to maintain political power. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.