Missouri Lawsuit Challenges Redistricting Map That Threatens Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver

A lawsuit has been filed by the American Civil Liberties Union to block Missouri’s new congressional maps from taking effect next year. The suit argues that the redrawn map, intended to give Republicans an additional House seat, should have been automatically suspended earlier this month after opponents collected over 300,000 petition signatures seeking a statewide vote.

The revised congressional district places Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver’s seat in jeopardy by moving it from predominantly blue Kansas City to a more Republican-leaning area. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has stated that the maps will remain in place unless Secretary of State Denny Hoskins verifies sufficient valid signatures and confirms the petition meets constitutional standards.

Under Missouri law, voters opposing redistricting can gather signatures to trigger a statewide referendum if at least 110,000 valid signatures are collected. However, Hanaway contends that a map suspension is only possible after the secretary of state certifies adequate signatures. This process could conclude long after Missouri’s candidate filing period, which runs from February 24 through March 31.

Local election officials have until July 28 to finalize signature verification, with Hoskins potentially making a final decision afterward. Missouri’s primary elections are scheduled for August 4.

The ACLU filed its lawsuit the day after Hanaway issued a statement confirming that the new congressional maps would remain in effect. Hanaway warned that suspending the maps could allow opponents to freeze state laws by submitting unverified signatures. At least nine lawsuits have been filed related to Missouri’s redistricting map.