Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a federal lawsuit aiming to block efforts by out-of-state groups to challenge the state’s recently enacted congressional redistricting plan. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the State of Missouri, the Missouri General Assembly, and Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, seeks to prevent a referendum on the redistricting measure.

The legal action targets Richard von Glahn and the organization People Not Politicians, who are attempting to subject Missouri’s new congressional districts to a public vote. According to the lawsuit, this move would violate both the U.S. Constitution and the Missouri Constitution.

“Subjecting Missouri’s congressional redistricting to ballot referenda will invite chaos—driven by out-of-state special interests looking to gain a partisan advantage in Congress,” the lawsuit states.

Attorney General Hanaway said, “This lawsuit is about protecting Missouri’s constitutional authority from being hijacked by out-of-state dark money groups. The Constitution entrusts congressional redistricting to the people’s elected legislature, not to activist organizations bankrolled by undisclosed donors. If allowed to proceed, this effort would destroy faith in our elections and set a dangerous precedent where outside interests could override constitutional order.”

The case is positioned as significant not only for Missouri but for other states as well. The Attorney General’s Office argues that similar attempts are underway nationwide, with activist groups using outside funding to influence election processes at the state level. By taking legal action, Missouri officials say they are working to ensure that redistricting remains under the control of elected representatives who answer directly to voters.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins added, “My office operates on integrity first — not partisan politics or out-of-state money. Missouri’s Constitution belongs to Missourians, not to dark-money groups trying to rewrite it for their own gain. It has become far too easy to mislead voters and undermine the sacred document that protects our way of life. Our job is to defend the rule of law, safeguard Missouri values, and make sure our Constitution cannot be bought or manipulated from the outside.”

The lawsuit asks for both declaratory and injunctive relief. It contends that forcing Missouri to conduct a referendum would improperly strip the General Assembly of its constitutional powers under both federal and state law.

“Missouri’s redistricting process cannot be dictated by out-of-state special interests,” Attorney General Hanaway said. “We will not allow dark money groups to silence Missouri voices or hijack the work of the General Assembly. Our Office will defend Missouri’s constitutional authority at every turn.”

The full text of the lawsuit is available online.