Judge Considers Validity of Nonprofit’s Attempt to Block Missouri Redistricting
TL/DR –
A federal judge in St. Louis, U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone, is deliberating whether a nonprofit group has the right to obstruct the execution of a new Missouri congressional map. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and the Missouri General Assembly, who argue that the referendum attempt by People Not Politicians is unconstitutional and infringes on the General Assembly’s exclusive authority to draw maps. The judge has promised to issue a decision before the group submits its ballot petition signatures, which will be sometime after December 9th.
Missouri Congressional Map Dispute Under Federal Review
A St. Louis federal judge is deliberating whether the non-profit People Not Politicians has the right to halt the new Missouri congressional map’s implementation.
U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone on Tuesday heard an hour of oral arguments concerning a lawsuit from Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a Republican, and the Missouri General Assembly. Attorneys from Catherine Hanaway, the state Attorney General’s office, contend that People Not Politicians’ referendum bid infringes on the General Assembly’s unique authority to design maps, thus violating state and U.S. constitutions.
Missouri Solicitor General Louis Cappozi, the state’s leading appellate lawyer, warned in court briefs that referring Missouri’s congressional redistricting to ballot referendum could result in chaos manipulated by out-of-state parties seeking congressional edge.
Cappozi clarified that they do not disagree with the referendum process but contest the idea of federal redistricting being subject to such process. “This is a power vested in the General Assembly by the federal Constitution,” he argued.
However, Jessica Amunson, representing People Not Politicians, countered that the Missouri Constitution clearly establishes that every law, barring certain exceptions, is subject to referendum.
The executive director of People Not Politicians, Richard von Glahn, underscored that the state’s argument displays fear of voter influence on redistricting.
Bluestone assured he would decide before the group submits its ballot petition signatures, due after Dec. 9.
If implemented, the redistricting could transform Congressman Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-based district into a GOP-leaning seat and give Republicans control of seven out of eight of the state’s districts. The new map, passed in a special legislative session in September, was endorsed by President Donald Trump amidst fears of a Republican loss in the 2026 midterm House elections.
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