Missouri election chief upholds state congressional map by rejecting ballot challenge

Missouri’s top election official has rejected two major ballot efforts, declaring a proposed referendum on the state’s congressional map and an initiative petition unconstitutional just hours before the deadline.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins announced during a Tuesday afternoon press conference that he won’t certify the referendum against House Bill 1 or Initiative Petition 2026-016 for the November ballot.

“This action is in accordance with counsel provided to me by Attorney General (Catherine) Hanaway, as well as my own general counsel, who are in agreement with my belief that challenging a congressional map is unconstitutional under Missouri law,” Hoskins said.

The rejected referendum sought to overturn the “Missouri First” congressional redistricting map passed by the General Assembly. The redistricting could flip at least one congressional seat to Republican control.

Hoskins, a Republican, said Article 3, Section 45 of the Missouri Constitution gives sole authority over congressional districts to the state Legislature, making no allowance for initiative petitions or referendums on redistricting. 

Gov. Mike Kehoe and Hanaway, both Republicans, support the state’s position. Hoskins pointed to Article 1, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, which leaves election management to state legislatures. 

Hoskins also rejected IP 2026-016, arguing it violates Missouri’s single-subject rule for constitutional amendments. The proposal alters at least four separate articles of the state constitution.

“This log rolling of articles in one single amendment is an egregious example of placing multiple non-germane subjects under the guise of one question on the ballot,” Hoskins said. He added the proposal unconstitutionally tries to insulate itself from future changes and features an insufficient title summary.

Reporters repeatedly pressed Hoskins on whether petitioners gathered enough valid signatures to qualify before his ruling.

“Whether they had one signature or 500 million signatures … doesn’t really matter because they are unconstitutional,” he said.

Hoskins expressed confidence that his legal team would win any future court challenges in the matter.

(Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins delivers remarks at a press conference on Aug. 4, 2026. Image credit: Screenshot/Facebook)