Missouri Congressional Redistricting Plan Suspension Request

A pro-voting lawsuit seeking to suspend the use of Missouri’s new gerrymander until after a referendum is held on whether to block the new map. 

Background

Two Missouri voters filed a lawsuit against Missouri seeking to block the use of the state’s new gerrymander before voters weigh in on a referendum to block the new plan. The plaintiffs argue that the new map should be suspended until after the referendum vote, because organizers have submitted signatures to place the referendum on the ballot. However, Republican state officials argue that the new map will not be suspended unless and until the secretary of state certifies the signatures. The voters claim that officials are wrongly interpreting state law in violation of Missouri’s constitution. They ask the court to declare the state’s new gerrymander suspended until voters approve or reject it through the referendum process.

Why It Matters

In September, Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) signed into law a new congressional map that dilutes the voting strength of Black voters in Kansas City. People Not Politicians submitted more than 300,000 signatures – far more than the number required to put a “people’s veto” of the gerrymander on the statewide ballot. GOP officials in the state have sought to create obstacles for the ballot measure’s organizers.

Latest Updates

• Feb. 18, 2026: The court will hold a trial on whether the new map is suspended pending a referendum vote.
• Jan. 20, 2026: The court held a hearing on Put Missouri First’s motion to dismiss, but denied plaintiffs’ request to hear arguments on their motion for a preliminary injunction.
• Jan. 16, 2026: Defendants filed their opposition to plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction and asked the court not to hear the motion at the Jan. 20 hearing on defendants’ motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs filed their reply.
• Jan. 14, 2026: Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction to suspend the new map until the referendum process is complete. They asked the court to hear the motion at the Jan. 20 hearing on Put Missouri First’s motion to dismiss.
• Jan. 13, 2026: Put Missouri First filed their motion to dismiss.
• Jan. 8, 2026: The court granted Put Missouri First’s motion to intervene and set aside plaintiffs’ motion to expedite trial until after the Jan. 20 motion to dismiss hearing.
• Dec. 26, 2025: Put Missouri First filed a motion to intervene as defendants.
• Dec. 24, 2025: Plaintiffs filed a motion for expedited trial.
• Dec. 23, 2025: Voters filed their petition.