Tag Archives: Redistricting

Tears in the rain

04 Friday Sep 2026

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Rick Brattin (r) [2013 file photo].

Yesterday, after the Missouri Supreme Court overturned the right wingnut controlled General Assembly’s and right wingnut Governor Mike Kehoe’s hyper-partisan gerrymander of congressional districts for the 2026 general election:

Rick Brattin for Congress
[….]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

Rick Brattin Releases Statement on Missouri Supreme Court Decision in von Glahn v. Hoskins

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – State Senator Rick Brattin has released the following statement regarding the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision in von Glahn v. Hoskins:

“I’m not surprised that a liberal activist majority on the Missouri Supreme Court has handed Democrats a decision they desperately needed in their effort to help national Democrats retake the US House of Representatives, while also effectively invalidating a primary election that was held in accordance with a legal decision these same judges handed down. With the stroke of a pen, the Missouri Supreme Court has disenfranchised tens of thousands of voters who cast their ballot in the 5th District in the primary, only to be thrown into another district entirely – and with candidates they did not have a chance to vote on – for the General Election. This is blatantly unconstitutional. No court has ever reversed a Congressional map in the middle of an election because it is a complete show of disrespect for voters and for the sanctity of the electoral process. It is my hope that this rogue decision is immediately appealed to the United State Supreme Court.”
###

“…liberal activist majority on the Missouri Supreme Court…” Is somebody going to tell him?

You think he’s pissed because he’s going to have to collect and replant a shitload of 4 x 8 campaign signs? Just asking.

Some of the responses:

Sometimes the best thing to say is: Nothing.

Why wasn’t the citizen initiative certified for the primary? The justices addressed this. You should address your anger to Hoskins.

Rick, like I wrote on Mark’s page. The folks that plan on voting for you will vote for you. Go out and campaign. Leave this behind. All seven judges weighed in. The executive and legislative branch got checked by the judicial branch. I think I recall that’s how it supposed to work. Whining will make you look weak. Adult up and move on.

he should keep on whining and give the voters further proof of how he is either THAT ignorant, or THAT willing to lie to get into office.

have to be dumb af to vote for someone literally telling you he wishes our voices were not heard

Lol. Liberal activists judges…. the court said no so many times. You and your boy denny did this. Cheaters suck Rick. You suck. Can’t wait to defeat you.

So which of the 5 Republican appointed are part of the liberal activist majority?

There, somebody told him.

This is not a Republican victory or a Democratic victory. It is a victory for the people of Missouri.
Our Constitution declares that all political power is vested in and derived from the people. Political parties are factions; they are not the source of government’s authority. The Legislature may pass laws, but the Constitution reserves to the people the power to approve or reject those laws through referendum.
Seven judges unanimously affirmed that principle. Anyone attempting to reduce these decisions to “our party versus their party” is missing—or avoiding—the central issue:
The Constitution belongs to the people, and public officials of both parties are bound by it.

It was not “a liberal majority” – the decision was unanimous.

An Independent Commission screens judges that are appointed by the Governor. 5 by Republicans and 2 by Democrats. Politicians like Rick cry about a liberal court every time they lose a case. His opinion isn’t based on the legal facts.

Rick, why do you have to call names? Isn’t it possible that they simply followed the law?

Lol, your so call “liberal majority” on the MO supreme court is made up of 7 judges, 5 appointed by Republican governors. The ruling today was unanimous.

Talk about blatantly unconstitutional? How about changing the voting districts between census dates at the request of Trump who shouldn’t have made the request in the first place. The president of the United States should never involve himself with voting districts of any state. My interpretation of the Missouri Constitution regarding voting districts is that they are changed after a U.S. census which happens every ten years and the voting districts were just in 2022 following the 2020 census.

Allow me to translate:
“I have big feelings, bc my buddies Hoskins and Hanaway got slapped back UNANIMOUSLY by the MO Supreme Court. Their plot to gerrymander my weak campaign to a narrow lead has ended, and now I’m going to lose bigly.” 😭

Rick challenge you actually reply to this. Explain how 5 republicans and 2 democrats on a unanimous decision yesterday represents a “liberal activist majority?” I’ll wait.

What’s the matter? Afraid you won’t win if the people of the State, including the ones you’re supposed to represent, get to decide?

If Hoskins hadn’t waited until the 11th hour to act on the referendum, those votes wouldn’t have been affected. Can’t have your cake and eat it too.

“….The secretary [of State – Denny Hoskins] devotes a significant portion of his briefing to discussing the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties that may result from not utilizing the congressional redistricting in HB 1 for the November 2026 election. Besides being irrelevant to the secretary’s sole basis for declaring the referendum petition insufficient, these arguments are particularly misplaced given the secretary’s delay created the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties of which he complains….”

5 of the 7 MO Supreme Court judges were appointed by Republican governors.
The current seven judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri were appointed by the following governors Wesley Brent Powell (Chief Justice): Appointed by Governor Eric Greitens (R) in April 2017.
Zel Fischer: Appointed by Governor Matt Blunt (R) in October 2008.
Mary Rhodes Russell: Appointed by Governor Bob Holden (D) in September 2004.
Paul C. Wilson: Appointed by Governor Jay Nixon (D) in December 2012.
Robin Ransom: Appointed by Governor Mike Parson (R) in May 2021.
Kelly C. Broniec: Appointed by Governor Mike Parson (R) in September 2023.
Ginger Gooch: Appointed by Governor Mike Parson (R) in October 2023

He is saying the decision disenfranchises voters by letting voters vote on something.

Voting on matters that impact all voters should be voted on. What’s the problem?

More like conservative leaning unanimous decision

It is interesting that a unanimous ruling by seven judges including five appointed by Republican governors is a “liberal majority”. Please explain.

Hey Ricky, how about you do some research on how many judges were appointed by your party. Let me know if you need help doing the math

You knew darn well this was a risk if not a probability through the whole election. This is the f o part of fa

They got greedy.

Sorry Mr. Brattin, but Denny Hoskins done that all by himself, had he done his job, it would all been settled Aug. 4th.

==========

As said to the Governor; If this Representative Republic was meant to be run by NINE UNELECTED JUDGES, then it would not have an Executive and Legislative Branch. This is an unconstitutional ruling and should be ignored.

Actually, it’s seven judges. They are appointed by the sitting governor (chosen from among three put forward by an independent commission) and then face a statewide retention vote by Missouri voters in a general election. All seven sitting Missouri Supreme Court judges have been retained by the voters, two have been retained twice.

Don’t fall asleep in school, kids.

did you skip high school civics?

Good News! There’s not nine.

So you think court rulings can be ignored? These are not useless executive orders but conclusions reached by education, experienced judges.

==========

Why won’t you just listen to your constituents? That is the bottom line in all of this. The current administration has been trying to take away our right to rule out state since they were elected (remember amendments 4 and 5 last month) – they have forgotten that they work for us.
We just have to keep reminding them, is all.

At what point do you decide to stop embarrassing yourself?

The decision by the supreme court was UNANIMOUS. This means that ALL the judges agreed on the decision. If voters were disenfranchised with the use of the new map in the primary it is entirely the fault of the Secretary of State and the Attorney general who decided to go ahead with the new maps even in the face of the referendum petition. They are responsible for the fiasco.

In 1942, a constitutional amendment bearing the title “Nonpartisan Selection of Judges” was placed on the ballot and approved by a majority of the voters. The amendment applied only to judges of the Supreme Court, the three regional courts of appeal, and the circuit courts in the City of St. Louis and Jackson County. In later years, the voters of St. Louis County, Clay County, and Platte County have chosen to select their circuit and associate circuit judges in the same manner. The method of selection provided for in the 1940 amendment has been known as the “Missouri Plan.” It has been copied in whole and in part by quite a few states.
The selection is non partisan…
So, once again you think you are smarter than we, the people?

Your political advertising is laughable 🤡

Senator Brattin should read the opinion before attacking the Court.
The Missouri Supreme Court did not redraw a single district. It unanimously held that politicians cannot simply erase Missourians’ constitutional right to referendum. Five of the seven judges Brattin calls a “liberal activist majority” were appointed by Republican governors.
And his claim that judicial intervention in congressional maps is unprecedented is simply false.
The Court did not create this mess. Denny Hoskins sat on the petitions for nearly eight months and waited until the final deadline to reject them.
The Constitution belongs to the people, Senator. Not the Legislature. Not the Republican Party. The people.

So your pissed that the election in Missouri can’t be rigged?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but when the courts initially upheld the maps, they also said that the referendum could go forward. The fact that this had it’s day in court now is because Hoskins played games and waited until the primaries to refuse to certify. The MO Supreme Court even cautioned him against running down the clock on the hearings. This is Hoskin’s fault.
Also, what do you call ignoring 300,000 signatures saying we want our say first? Because that sounds a lot more like disenfranchising voters than people who lost out on a primary vote. Especially one that ran out of Democratic ballots in multiple locations. If Republicans had any confidence in their own party, they wouldn’t need these maps, these stupid certifying games, or to try and plant drugs on their opponents. Worry about that first, Bratin.

The Republicans have a supermajority on the State Supreme Court, you absolute clown.
Please show us where the liberal activist majority is on the Republican supermajority doll.

Maybe your friend the secretary of state shouldnt have dragged his feet doing his job processing the petitions if he didnt want this to be getting litigated in the middle of the election. But ofc he didnt, because he was hoping if he slacked long enough that there wouldnt be time and the voters of missouri could be effectively silenced. Its so fun to watch yall make up reasons to be outraged when you finally get called on your bs

Denny Hoskins is responsible for “invalidating a primary election”. He should not have used the map in the primary until this played out in court. He knew this would happen. He planned on this chaos. This is his doing. If you’re upset about a primary being “invalidated” then you need to impeach Hoskins. 👍

Oxygen thief.

‘a liberal activist majority on the Missouri Supreme Court” BRATTIN ARE YOU ON ACID? OR JUST EFFIN STUPID?

Something something snowflakes

There is absolutely nothing about any of the branches of our state government that is “liberal”.
You’re just a crybaby

You started this clown show, Buddy!

Chaser:

In 2022 Rick Brattin (r) ran in the republican primary in the 4th Congressional District. “Missourians for Truth”, a PAC, spent money on mailings opposed to Rick Brattin and supporting Mark Alford (r). Mark Alford won the primary. The images from the mailings were priceless:

Our favorite image from those mailings:

Rick Brattin could have filed in the 4th Congressional District republican primary, facing Mark Alford again. But he didn’t.

Previously:

HB 1: Gerrymander this (September 9, 2025)

Can play with AI, can’t be bothered to certify petition signatures (June 7, 2026)

Denny Hoskins (r) is a pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the Missouri Constitution, said no one ever… (August 4, 2026)

Missouri Supreme Court: “HB 1 congressional redistricting, yeah, no.” (September 3, 2026)

Favorite whine (September 3, 2026)

Gov. Mike Kehoe (r) thinks we’re all ignorant and stupid (September 3, 2026)

What the Missouri Supreme Court said (September 3, 2026)

Missouri Supreme Court slaps down Denny Hoskins (r)….again (September 4, 2026)

Missouri Supreme Court slaps down Denny Hoskins (r)….again

04 Friday Sep 2026

Posted by in Congress, Missouri General Assembly

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Today, from the Missouri Supreme Court:

SC101805 – RICHARD VON GLAHN APEL V DENNY HOSKINS RES

09/04/2026
Overruled
Order issued: Respondent’s motion for a stay of injunction pending emergency appeal and application for stay to the Supreme Court of the United States overruled.
Associated Entries: 09/03/2026 – Motion for Stay –
Motion for a Stay of Injunction Pending Emergency Appeal and Application for Stay to the Supreme Court of the United States; Exhibit A – Declaration of Denny Hoskins in Support of Respondents Motion for a Stay Pending Appeal; Electronic Filing Certificate of Service.

[emphasis in original]

Denny Hoskins (r) [2022 file photo].

From yesterday’s Missouri Supreme Court decision:

….The secretary [of State – Denny Hoskins] and all of those acting in concert with him are restrained and enjoined from implementing, using, or mandating the use of the congressional redistricting in HB 1 for the November 2026 general election….

Restrained and enjoined.

Yesterday:

STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY OF STATE DENNY HOSKINS, CPA

For Immediate Release: Sept. 3, 2026

“Today’s Missouri Supreme Court rulings ignite nothing short of a Constitutional crisis. No court has ever rejected a congressional map that had already been used in an election, as the Missouri First Map was in the August primary.

We may have lost the battle today, but the war to preserve our constitutional republic is far from over. As I’ve said throughout this process, I will not be intimidated, I will not be deterred, I remain steadfast in my fight to defend the United States and Missouri Constitutions. As a fifth-generation Missourian, I will proudly fall on my sword to save this great state from out-of-state special interests and their out-of-state sugar daddies. Missouri will not become another New York City or Los Angeles on my watch.”

From yesterday’s Missouri Supreme Court decision:

….The secretary [of State – Denny Hoskins] devotes a significant portion of his briefing to discussing the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties that may result from not utilizing the congressional redistricting in HB 1 for the November 2026 election. Besides being irrelevant to the secretary’s sole basis for declaring the referendum petition insufficient, these arguments are particularly misplaced given the secretary’s delay created the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties of which he complains….

Previously:

HB 1: Gerrymander this (September 9, 2025)

Can play with AI, can’t be bothered to certify petition signatures (June 7, 2026)

Denny Hoskins (r) is a pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the Missouri Constitution, said no one ever… (August 4, 2026)

Missouri Supreme Court: “HB 1 congressional redistricting, yeah, no.” (September 3, 2026)

Favorite whine (September 3, 2026)

Gov. Mike Kehoe (r) thinks we’re all ignorant and stupid (September 3, 2026)

What the Missouri Supreme Court said (September 3, 2026)

Gov. Mike Kehoe (r) thinks we’re all ignorant and stupid

03 Thursday Sep 2026

Posted by in Congress, Missouri Governor, social media

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“…We are extremely disappointed in today’s decision by unelected judges…”

Mike Kehoe (r) [2026 file photo].

A few hours ago:

Governor Mike Kehoe
[September 3, 2026]

Nearly one year ago, the General Assembly, duly elected by the people of Missouri, convened in an extraordinary session to draw a new congressional map that better represents Missouri and the commonsense values that define our state.
We are extremely disappointed in today’s decision by unelected judges and their lack of respect for the legislative process. Holding a primary election under one congressional map and a general election under another is unprecedented and creates uncertainty for Missouri voters.
Today’s ruling does not change our belief in the Missouri First Map or the principles behind it, and we will continue to stand behind it as the legal process moves forward.

Uh:

Judge W. Brent Powell [Chief Justice]
Retained in office at the November 2018 general election for a 12-year term expiring December 31, 2030

Judge Ginger K. Gooch
Retained at the November 2024 general election for a 12-year term

Judge Kelly C. Broniec
Retained at November 2024 general election for a 12-year term

Judge Mary R. Russell
Retained in office at the November 2006 general election and again at the November 2018 general election for a 12-year term expiring December 31, 2030

Judge Paul C. Wilson
Retained by voters at the November 2014 general election for a 12-year term ending December 31, 2026

Judge Robin Ransom
Retained by voters at the November 2022 general election for a 12-year term ending December 31, 2034

Judge Zel M. Fischer
Retained at the 2010 general election for a 12-year term expiring December 31, 2022; retained at the 2022 general election for a 12-year term expiring December 31, 2034

[emphasis added]

All seven have stood for retention by Missouri voters in general elections.

Some of the responses to Gov. Mike Kehoe (r):

Y’all caused this mess. Cry in your beer. 🍺

Why do you hate the initiative process?

You should be ashamed

Nearly one year ago, Trump also asked Indiana Republican leaders to redistrict out of cycle to draw new maps to favor electing additional Republicans to Congress this fall. The Indiana Senate said “No”. But clearly Missouri officials feel obligated to play Trump’s game out to the bitter end. It’s perhaps a bit ironic that the delaying tactics of Hoskins now hinder the last gasps of this gambit.

Heh.

Isn’t our attorney general an unelected official?

Catherine Hanaway (r) [2015 file photo].

Well, yes.

I’d honestly believe that Kehoe doesn’t know.

I suppose if a majority of Missouri citizens don’t want to allow the map in 2026 that would be called democracy governor.

It’s as if the judicial branch of government is balancing out the legislative… as intended. Odd.

Executive, Legislative, Judicial. The State Constitution does this for a reason.

Governor, this wasn’t judicial defiance. It was a unanimous ruling enforcing Missouri’s Constitution: the legislature may draw maps, but voters still retain the referendum power over acts of the General Assembly. The court found this petition legal, sufficient, and timely, and ordered the 2022 map used unless voters approve the new one. Disagree with the ruling if you want—but don’t confuse constitutional limits on your power with disrespect for democracy.

Imagine being an elected official being mad about the will of the people being heard.

If the state has roughly a 60-40 split between R and D voters, how is 7-1 more fair than 6 – 2? If you truly wanted a more fair representation based on the percentages, a 5 – 3 map would be a more equitable distribution.

Bingo!

They didn’t gerrymander a new map at the request of the people, they did so it at the request of a man who they do not serve and should have no connection to. The state of Missouri is an independent state within this nation, and the legislature doesn’t work for or answer to Trump. Unfortunately, the MAGA cult takes oaths they intend to break, and they pretend like them getting elected is permission to do whatever they want. You are among the MAGA cult, and you show contempt for Missourians every time you try to undermine our will. You’ve betrayed Missouri citizens in an attempt to push your beliefs on others, and you lost. Now you want to denigrate people and throw a temper tantrum instead of admitting you were wrong.

Governor, per the Missouri Plan of 1940, we the voters, vote to retain our MOSC justices.

Bingo!

Respect the vote of the people!

How did you get through that whole essay without the word “gerrymandering”?

We see what you did there.

Perhaps, it’s time for our Governor AND the State Legislature to start listening to the voters instead of dictating to us!

Yeah dude, everybody was clamoring for the general assembly to pass gerrymandering legislation out of nowhere.

This is a pretty remarkable rewriting of what happened. The map wasn’t redrawn because Missouri suddenly needed better representation or “common sense values.” It was a partisan effort to redraw congressional districts mid-decade for political advantage. Courts doing their job and reviewing whether that process complied with the law isn’t a “lack of respect” for democracy. It’s part of democracy.

Maybe because everyone, red and blue deserve representation. Missouri isn’t a red state, it isn’t a blue state. We are purple. No matter what side missourians sit on they believe that everyone in the state deserves representation.

Keeping power with the people, not politicians! Sounds like a good ruling to me!

Today’s ruling was a win for the people of Missouri!

Should have been pretty clear to you when THE PEOPLE voted against Amendents 4 and 5. The Supreme Court did the right thing.

LOL. You should read the ruling! 😎The legal process moved certainly!

OUR voices will be HEARD. The court got this right. The people should decide this. Kehoe is pissed because he knows we will shoot this ridiculous map down. We’ll see just how much Missouri voters want change in November. 🤞

Bro it was unanimous get a grip. The law is the law.

So, there’s this thing called the Constitution…

Perhaps the legislature should consider respecting the will of the people. Read the room, man.

Common sense is listening to the people of the state…something you repeatedly ignore.

Missouri Supreme Court says you have to listen to the voters. Boohoo.

Governor, you say these are unelected justices. However, isn’t your office the one that chooses a replacement when there is an opening? After a selection process to three from an impartial state commission? Oh, and after a year on the bench, they are voted to be retained by the people. Take responsibility for your office.

No one even thought about changing the map until Trump told them to.

Unelected judges”? They literally enforced the voter-approved Missouri Constitution against politicians who tried to ignore a citizen referendum. But tell us more about “respecting the process.”

Get it through your head. You work for the people, and the people have spoken.

You do know the definition of “extraordinary,” right?

4 and 5. Now this. Rough summer gov.

Heh.

Sometimes, when you try to cheat, you get caught.

The judicial branch is a necessary system of checks and balances for the legislative branch . Deal with it.

Aren’t Missouri Supreme Court justices retained after their first year by a public vote, for a 12-year term that is then again voted for retention? They may not be elected, but they are on the bench by the will of the people.

I wish I could of been in the room when Catherine Hanaways head exploded when she got this news Governor Mike Kehoe is the the find out stage of FAFO. That map wasn’t some routine redraw. Kehoe backed a special session at Trump’s request for one reason: knock Emanuel Cleaver out of Congress. You built your whole strategy on a map that hadn’t even cleared legal review, ran a primary on it anyway, and now you’re calling the correction a “constitutional crisis.” It’s not a crisis. It’s consequences.
300,000+ signatures isn’t noise. That’s an organized coalition, and it’s the same one that’ll be showing up in 2028 remembering exactly whose names were on this.

You lost in a unanimous decision. Respect the Missouri Constitution and our government. 5 of those 7 judges were appointed by Republican governors.
Learn how to take a _self inflicted_ L.
You should be embarrassed at how poorly Denny handled this. You should be embarrassed how bad your efforts to undo the will of the citizens you are supposed to represent have turned out.

Governor, it’s interesting that you emphasize that the General Assembly was “duly elected by the people of Missouri” while complaining about a unanimous court decision protecting those same people’s constitutional right to a referendum.
The legislature passed the map. Missourians gathered the signatures necessary to challenge it. Now Missourians get to vote on it.
That’s not disrespect for the legislative process. That’s the constitutional process.
If the Missouri First Map really represents the “commonsense values” of Missourians as well as you say it does, then you shouldn’t have anything to fear from letting Missourians decide.

Your losing battle with reason continues to go poorly for you.

Ouch.

You don’t represent us. Look how strongly you pushed 4 and 5 that NO ONE wanted! You’re out of touch, bought out, and your positions are morally reprehensible. Stop trying to screw up Missouri more than it already is.

Kind of how you respected the will of Missouri voters? .. Oh wait.

Here’s a thought. Have better policies and you won’t have to gerrymander.

Aw, the supreme Court said you couldn’t rig elections😢😢

You seem like you’re worried about the upcoming election. Hmmm. Anyway.
What did everyone have for dinner tonight?

A “Constitutional crisis” of your own making because Hoskins refused to certify the signatures collected for the petition initiative. So, put the blame where it belongs…on Hoskins.

Is it just my imagination or have you been losing a lot lately Guv?

You’re trying to finagle another seat for Trump. Don’t make it anything but what it actually is.

The Supreme Court did the job that you, the General Assembly, and the Secretary of State refused to do: They recognized a threat to democracy and the GOP’s utter disdain for Missouri voters. This is the best thing to happen to Missouri in years.

The Missouri Constitution is quite clear. The power of the Legislature is from the people, not the reverse. The Constitution clearly gives the people the power to override laws approved by the Legislature via the Initiative Process. We are only in this situation because the GOP SOS failed to do his job and sat on this. Then on primary day, he states that the amendment was unconstitutional. Under the Missouri Constitution, for which he swore an oath before God to uphold, he has no such power. And the Constitutional duty he has, he failed to perform. As the Supreme Court stated in their decision, we are only n this situation because he delayed performing his Constitutional duty.

Governor High School telling judges about the law. You can’t make this up. 🤡

Suddenly the States Rights people have a problem with States Rights.

hey Governor, have you not heard of the Missouri plan? It’s a roadmap that the rest of the United States follow. You don’t like it?

And on and on….

Previously:

HB 1: Gerrymander this (September 9, 2025)

Can play with AI, can’t be bothered to certify petition signatures (June 7, 2026)

Denny Hoskins (r) is a pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the Missouri Constitution, said no one ever… (August 4, 2026)

Missouri Supreme Court: “HB 1 congressional redistricting, yeah, no.” (September 3, 2026)

Favorite whine (September 3, 2026)

Favorite whine

03 Thursday Sep 2026

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Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…

This evening:

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

The Missouri Supreme Court just ridiculously ruled in favor of changing the maps back to what they were a long time ago. It’s called, Ancient History! The problem is, according to Legal Scholars, that not only was the ruling horrible, ridiculous, and unConstitutional, but there won’t be enough time to change the map back with the Election coming up in a very short period of time. The Election Process, as usual, is being disturbed in America! Missouri must be able to use the map that was in effect just a couple of months ago, in the Primary. This is a Dark Day for “Justice” in Missouri! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP

2.06k ReTruths 6.24k Likes Sep 03, 2026, 6:16 PM

“Gerrymander This”

Previously:

HB 1: Gerrymander this (September 9, 2025)

Can play with AI, can’t be bothered to certify petition signatures (June 7, 2026)

Denny Hoskins (r) is a pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the Missouri Constitution, said no one ever… (August 4, 2026)

Missouri Supreme Court: “HB 1 congressional redistricting, yeah, no.” (September 3, 2026)

Missouri Supreme Court: “HB 1 congressional redistricting, yeah, no.”

03 Thursday Sep 2026

Posted by in Congress, Missouri General Assembly

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“…The secretary [of State – Denny Hoskins (r)] devotes a significant portion of his briefing to discussing the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties that may result from not utilizing the congressional redistricting in HB 1 for the November 2026 election. Besides being irrelevant to the secretary’s sole basis for declaring the referendum petition insufficient, these arguments are particularly misplaced given the secretary’s delay created the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties of which he complains…”

That’s what you call a good old-fashioned judicial smackdown.

Denny Hoskins (r) [2022 file photo].

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled today, 7-0, that the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly’s mid-decade congressional gerrymander in HB 1 is void, stating, “…HB 1 is not the law and has never been the law…” Missouri congressional districts revert to the 2022 redistricting.

In their conclusion in SC101805: Richard von Glahn, Appellant, vs. Denny Hoskins, in His Official Capacity, et al., Respondents.

[….]

This Court reverses the circuit court’s judgment. The referendum petition was legal, sufficient, and timely, and the secretary incorrectly concluded otherwise. HB 1 did not go into effect and will not go into effect unless and until approved by the voters. The congressional redistricting the General Assembly established in 2022 remains in full force and effect for the November 2026 general election.

Pursuant to Rule 84.14, this Court enters judgment ordering the secretary to issue a certificate of sufficiency as to the referendum petition (2026-R004) (attaching a copy of this opinion thereto), to place the referendum petition on the November 2026 general election ballot, and to take any and all additional steps necessary to place the referendum petition on the ballot at that election before September 8, 2026. The secretary and all of those acting in concert with him are restrained and enjoined from implementing, using, or mandating the use of the congressional redistricting in HB 1 for the November 2026 general election or at any other time thereafter unless and until HB 1 is approved by the voters at the November 2026 general election and takes effect 30 days thereafter. Mo. Const. art. XII, sec. 2(b). No Rule 84.17 motions are permitted.

[….]

There will be no rehearing. The decision is final.

There’s also a lengthy footnote in the decision:

[….]

[8] The secretary devotes a significant portion of his briefing to discussing the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties that may result from not utilizing the congressional redistricting in HB 1 for the November 2026 election. Besides being irrelevant to the secretary’s sole basis for declaring the referendum petition insufficient, these arguments are particularly misplaced given the secretary’s delay created the confusion, expense, and practical difficulties of which he complains. In December 2025, a federal district court advised the secretary and the state that, if the referendum petition is sufficient, “the new map will be frozen until after the referendum, which could significantly disrupt the 2026 elections.” Mo. Gen. Assembly v. Von Glahn, No. 4:25-CV-1535-ZMB, 2025 WL 3514277, at *2 (E.D. Mo. Dec. 8, 2025). At the same time, the federal district court noted the secretary had the ability to declare the petition insufficient based on his argument in the federal litigation—identical to his argument now—that the Missouri Constitution does not permit a referendum as to congressional redistricting passed by the General Assembly. Id. at *4. “[T]here is no apparent reason why [the secretary] would incur the significant cost of signature verification given his stated belief that the petition is constitutionally deficient.” Id. at *2 n.2. In two separate cases in May, this Court stated it could not determine whether the congressional redistricting in HB 1 was in effect until the secretary issued his certification and the judicial review authorized by the General Assembly was complete. Maggard, 733 S.W.3d at 419-20; NAACP, 734 S.W.3d at 341 n.4. Despite this clear guidance from the federal district court and this Court, the secretary chose to delay his certification until the last possible day—August 4—and, in the meantime, utilized the congressional redistricting in HB 1 while incurring the time and expense of signature verification despite having represented to the federal district court he believed the referendum petition was constitutionally deficient. The secretary also chose to request verification of every signature, making the signature verification deadline July 28, when he could have chosen random sampling verification, with a deadline of not more than 30 days from the date the election authority received the petition from the secretary. See sec. 116.130.2. The secretary delayed certification until the last possible date and chose not to seek resolution of the constitutional question despite having been told at least as early as December 2025 he had the unique ability as secretary to do so under Missouri statutes. Given these undisputed facts, the secretary’s arguments about confusion, expense, and practical
difficulties are wholly unpersuasive.

Perhaps worse, these arguments fundamentally misunderstand the status of HB 1 pending the referendum vote. HB 1 is not the law and has never been the law. There is only one valid congressional redistricting in effect—the congressional redistricting the General Assembly established in 2022. Under article III, section 52(b), HB 1 “shall take effect when approved by a majority of the votes cast thereon, and not otherwise.” Unless and until the voters approve HB 1 at the November 2026 general election, HB 1 is of no force and effect and did not take effect on December 11 because it is subject to a sufficient referendum petition filed on December 9. Regardless of any confusion, expense, or practical difficulties caused by the secretary’s delay and incorrect assumption about whether the referendum petition would be deemed sufficient, simply continuing to utilize the congressional redistricting in HB 1 does not comport with the Missouri Constitution because the 2022 map is the only map in effect.

[….]

Dayam.

Previously:

HB 1: Gerrymander this (September 9, 2025)

Can play with AI, can’t be bothered to certify petition signatures (June 7, 2026)

Denny Hoskins (r) is a pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the Missouri Constitution, said no one ever… (August 4, 2026)

Denny Hoskins (r) is a pre-eminent legal scholar and final arbiter of the Missouri Constitution, said no one ever…

04 Tuesday Aug 2026

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate

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Denny Hoskins (r) [2022 file photo].

Missouri redistricting referendum blocked by secretary of state, drawing lawsuit
Denny Hoskins argues the Missouri Constitution does not allow a referendum on a congressional redistricting plan while refusing to say whether enough signatures had been collected to place the congressional map on the ballot

By Rudi Keller
August 4, 2026 6:08 pm

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked a public vote on the state’s new congressional map Tuesday, declaring a referendum petition unconstitutional a few hours before polls closed in the primary election.

He refused to tell reporters at a Jefferson City press conference whether the petition had enough valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot. It didn’t matter, he said, because the Missouri Constitution does not allow a referendum on redistricting.

“Whether they had one signature or 500 million signatures doesn’t really matter because they are unconstitutional,” Hoskins said at a news conference.

The political action committee People Not Politicians turned in more than 300,000 signatures in December, and local election authorities spent hundreds of hours verifying whether the people who signed were registered voters.

[….]

“According to Missouri state law, I had until today at 5 p.m. to certify those signatures,” Hoskins said. “As a certified public accountant, I want to make sure all my ‘i’s are dotted and T’s are crossed.”

[…..]

“…Noun, verb, CPA…”

Detail oriented, eh?

“Gerrymander This”

From the Missouri Democratic Party:

Russ Carnahan, Chair, Missouri Democratic Party [2026 file photo].

Missouri Democratic Party Statement on Secretary Hoskins’ Continued Failure to Do His Job
August 4, 2026

Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan has issued the following statement following Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ last minute refusal to certify the petitions by Respect Missouri Voters and People Not Politicians that a historic, record-breaking number of Missourians, of all political beliefs, signed and submitted:

‘At the end of the day, Hoskins’ desperate attempt to avoid the will of Missourians is not surprising, unexpected, or even creative. This is a craven power grab by a Republican politician in Jefferson City who is afraid of what will happen if Missourians will be allowed to vote. Let’s be clear, Missourians of every political leaning — Democrat, Republican, and independent — signed these petitions. It is not everyday Missourians that are opposed to their own right to vote, it is the Republican politicians in Jefferson City,’ said Chair Russ Carnahan. ‘We support the right of all Missourians to vote and ultimately expect, after a brief court battle, that they will get that opportunity.’

###

Previously:

HB 1: Gerrymander this (September 9, 2025)

Can play with AI, can’t be bothered to certify petition signatures (June 7, 2026)

Campaign Finance: “Welcome to the party, pal”

12 Friday Jun 2026

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Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission for a campaign committee opposing Amendment 3, Amendment 4, Amendment 5 and redistricting/gerrymandering:

C264301 06/12/2026 Protect Freedom and Democracy Missouri Organizing and Voter Engagement Action 438 N Skinker Saint Louis MO 63130 6/12/2026 $150,000.00

[emphasis added]

Protect Freedom and Democracy – Active
MECID: C264301
620 E Armour Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64109
[….]
Supported/Opposed Ballot Measure
Measure Election Date Subject Political Subdivision Support/Oppose
Amendment 3 11/3/2026 Anti-Abortion Amendment Statewide Oppose
Amendment 4 8/4/2026 Anti-Majority Rule Statewide Oppose
Amendment 5 8/4/2026 Everything Tax Statewide Oppose
HB1 Veto Referendum 11/3/2026 Repeal the congressional redistricting map passed in HB 1 Statewide Oppose

[….]

It’s a new committee:

Welcome to the party.

Can play with AI, can’t be bothered to certify petition signatures

07 Sunday Jun 2026

Posted by in Resist, Uncategorized

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“….If the Secretary [of State – Denny Hoskins] continues to delay certification while moving forward with implementation of HB1, he will be proceeding under a map that will be shown to have been legally suspended as of December 9, 2025. Because a sufficient referendum means HB1 was never in effect, any attempt to treat the HB1 maps as operative would silence the voices of more than 300,000 Missourians and risk conducting an illegal election….”

“Gerrymander This”

“….despite the Secretary of State’s own data showing the referendum met the required thresholds as of March 23….”

Denny Hoskins (r).

Denny Hoskins (r) [2022 file photo].

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, CPA @DLHoskins
Thank you to the @BurgChamberMO for the opportunity to give an update at the annual Legislative Luncheon! I enjoyed visiting with folks about election integrity and the great things my Securities Division is doing to combat investment fraud. Scammers are using AI to prey on innocent investors. Case in point, I used AI to “update” 😉 the signs and photos of my personal protestors/fan club outside of the Chamber luncheon yesterday.
[….]
9:27 AM · Jun 6, 2026

Go figure.

Do your job.

Denny Hoskins (r) was at a luncheon.

There was a demonstration outside the Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Warrensburg on Friday against Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskin’s (r) refusal to certify, in a fair, timely manner, the initiative referendum which would allow Missouri voters to weigh in on the right wingnut Missouri General Assembly’s mid-term gerrymander of congressional districts. Over 300,000 voters signed the petition.

“Help Wanted: Nonpartisan Public Servants
For all the people of Missouri”

“Denny,
You work for all Missourians
We pay you to do your job!
Certify the signatures”

Apparently the subject of the referendum certification wasn’t mentioned at the luncheon. The reminders where outside the venue. Go figure.

BREAKING: Missouri Supreme Court Issues Ruling in Fair Map Case as Secretary of State’s Own Data Shows Referendum Is Sufficient
Press Release / May 12, 2026
Today, People Not Politicians Missouri called on the Secretary of State to immediately declare the HB1 referendum sufficient, after the Secretary’s own data showed the referendum has easily surpassed the required threshold statewide and in the necessary congressional districts.

If the Secretary continues to delay certification while moving forward with implementation of HB1, he will be proceeding under a map that will be shown to have been legally suspended as of December 9, 2025. Because a sufficient referendum means HB1 was never in effect, any attempt to treat the HB1 maps as operative would silence the voices of more than 300,000 Missourians and risk conducting an illegal election.

“The Secretary of State’s own data confirms what more than 305,000 Missourians already made clear: this referendum is sufficient, and the people have a right to vote,” said Richard von Glahn, Executive Director of People Not Politicians Missouri. “Today’s ruling from the Supreme Court confirms this fact. A sufficient petition suspends the law the day it is turned in. Unnecessary delays by politicians do not change this fact. If he continues to delay then he is moving forward under a map that has been suspended by the people.”

Officials have suggested the review process could continue until July, despite the Secretary of State’s own data showing the referendum met the required thresholds as of March 23. The threshold has been met even without counting a single of the approximately 100,000 signatures arbitrarily dismissed by Secretary Hoskins and subject to ongoing litigation. People Not Politicians Missouri said that delay only adds to the tactics of obstruction politicians have used all along to silence the voice of the people.

The referendum effort, backed by more than 305,000 Missourians, continues moving toward final certification and placement on the November ballot.

December 9, 2025 to June 7, 2026 (so far). Do the math.

“….Case in point, I used AI to “update” 😉 the signs and photos of my personal protestors/fan club outside of the Chamber luncheon yesterday….”

Someone never got out of junior high school.

“…I’m so confused…. if our elections have not been free and fair, how did you get elected??…”

16 Saturday May 2026

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Math is hard, apparently.

Rick Brattin (r) [2013 file photo].

Denny Hoskins (r) [2022 file photo].

Yesterday:

Rick Brattin for Congress
[May 15, 2026]
·
I was honored to stand alongside Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins today as he pushed back against the unlawful actions of woke Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon.
The law is not optional. The Missouri First map is the law of the land, and it must be upheld, not ignored for political agendas.
I will never back down in the fight for election integrity, fair elections, and protecting the voice of Missouri voters. As long as I have the privilege to serve the people of Missouri, I will continue fighting to ensure our laws are enforced and our elections remain secure.
[….]

There is much hilarity in the responses:

that’s not what the Supreme Court said on it’s Tuesday ruling. [….]
“Because the secretary’s certification process under chapter 116 is ongoing and has not been finally determined, it is impossible to say as of this opinion whether the December 9 referendum petition filing was ‘legal, sufficient, and timely’ and, therefore, whether HB 1 went into effect on December 11 or whether HB 1 was referred to the people as of December 9 and can only go into effect when approved by a majority of the votes cast thereon.”

hoskins is derelict in doing his duty. The Supreme Court said he must verify the signatures on the petition. In the election, the map to be used must be the current one NOT the one legislators recently drew up. Hoskins is holding the petition hostage.

Lmao.

Shame on you. Shame on Hoskins.

Dude, wha’ u talkin’ ’bout here? Your cronies overturned the will of the people for women to have access to total health care. Certify the signatures and wake up.

Proud Conservative here. This isnt about the Map! Its about the People’s Referendum which Hoskins wont certify. The Secretary of State needs to do his job and make a decision on the validity of signatures. Stop Playing Political Games!

The referendum signatures are in his building. Under the Missouri Constitution, a referendum filing suspends enforcement of a new enactment until a statewide vote. In its decision, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the suspension does not occur until the signatures are verified as valid in an official action by Hoskins.
If he does find the petitions have enough signatures, enforcement of the bill revising the maps would be suspended retroactively to the day the signatures were delivered. He has until Aug 4 to make a decision on the referendum. He’s Stonewalling the process.

the counties have verified over 100% of the required numbers. They hit that mark quite some time back. The SoS even has the numbers on their web site that clearly show the signature count was reached.
Hoskins should be personally financially liable for what this is going to cost taxpayers.

So you’re condoning cheating and dismissal of the people you actually are supposed to work for. Maybe stifle yourself! Brianna Lennon is epic at her job.

Pretty sure the opinion acknowledged that it is impossible to tell which map is in effect. Nice try though.

You want to protect the voice of Missouri voters “woke up Hoskins and tell him to count the signatures

He needs to do his job.

Then certify the referendum, simple. He needs to do HIS job.

Honor the will of the people

how many votes did you miss today?

After each census, cheaters!

Certify the signatures.

Anytime someone uses the word “woke,” I know not to take them seriously.

Straight from the mouth of ‘Never back down but never show up to vote Rick’

Jesus is Woke

Is there any context to this story? Oh and I can check Rick Brattin off my list…

Apparently you are only listening to the voices of SOME Missouri voters. What about the voices of the Missouri voters who signed AGAINST this?

But the map has a political agenda. WTF? Let the voters of the state decide.

Have Hoskins certify the referendum signatures (or reject them — after which he’ll lose in court). This is all the GOP’s making.

Why don’t you ask your buddy Denny to do his job and certify the referendum petition? Or does that part of the law not matter? 🤡

I’m so confused…. if our elections have not been free and fair, how did you get elected??

There is no honor in what you are doing

Protecting what voice?? We don’t have one anymore. We didn’t get to vote on the map. It was forced on us. And things we do vote on, you ignore! So again I ask, what voice????

How many votes did you miss while doing this?

Dishonorable

If you were really interested in protecting the voice of MIssouri voters, you would be pushing Hoskins to certify the signatures. Missouri voters did not vote for the redistricting. This is the chance to actually hear whether voters want the new district and if the MIssouri legislature was wrong to redistrict. And what about the paid sick leave and Reproductive Rights Amendment that Missouri voters already passed and you were a major actor in overturning those items?? Is that what protecting the voice of MIssouri voters is all about???????????????? Your statements are laughable in the face of reality.

Honored? You two are disgraceful to Missouri and most of Missourians see your underhanded manipulation to strip us of our LEGAL rights.
I would freely choose to stand beside Brianna Lennon because she is woke and not corrupt.
Look up the meaning of woke and read the definition of the term. Any day I will choose to be Woke!!!

Screw you.

Then certify the signatures and put it to a vote of the people – but you won’t because you don’t really care what the people want – only what your orders are from the 🍊🎪🤡 dumpf!!!

The first map is NOT the law of the land. The MO Supreme Court did not say that. You and your corrupt cohorts are delaying the certification to cause chaos in the August primaries. Following your POS cult leader, there is no low too low. Blue wave coming!

Aren’t you the one that they keep showing your empty desk when voting occurs. Not sure why your post are showing up on my Facebook, but you are one of the worst in office in Missouri, along with Hoskins and Kehoe. Tell Hoskins to do his job, since you can’t do anything else

“Woke Boone County Clerk”? You are asking people to put you into a position to be a leader — and you act like a third grade bully on the playground? Go away. Missouri doesn’t need or want you. And try to grow up at the same time.

How are you “protecting the voice of Missouri voters” if you don’t allow the Missouri voters an opportunity to vote on your proposed gerrymandered map? You’re making as much sense as Dementia Donald.

Hoskins needs to do his JOB. He had more than enough time to certify the referendum results. Republican refusing to do his job for political purposes. Trump and the MAGA are liars and cheats. Corrupting the entire country with their actions and failures.

Is there not a single politician left that speaks professionally? I’m so tired of seeing “woke” “radical” and “lefties” in nearly every post. The dumbing down of our leadership is real.

Why don’t you ask that dipshit in the red jacket why he hasn’t certified the petition to let the people actually vote on these stupid maps? What are you afraid of?

Now you are even lying about the court’s decision, while standing with the guy refusing to do his job and certify the referendum signed by over 300,000 Missourians.

Love her, but I thoroughly hate your guts and Hoskins as well

So you never read the actual court order then. Another reason you will be replaced next election. You making this way to easy for your competition. You do nothing but champion the silencing the voters of kc by dividing them up after they supported you during your broadcasting career only.to have you turn your back on them in favor of simping for your party.

Campaign Finance: we hope so

30 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by in campaign finance

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Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission for the group which gathered petition signatures to place the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly’s mid-decade gerrymander of congressional districts on the ballot as a referendum – yes or no:

C253606 01/30/2026 People Not Politicians Think Big America 70 W Madison Street, Suite 179 Chicago IL 60602 1/29/2026 $150,000.00

[emphasis added]

Alrighty, then.

Previously:

Campaign Finance: putting up the money (September 14, 2025)

Campaign Finance: getting the signatures (October 4, 2025)

Campaign Finance: indeed (October 22, 2025)

Campaign Finance: working people, for the people (October 27, 2025)

Put Donald Trump (r), the Republican National Committee, and the National Republican Congressional Committee First (November 6, 2025)

Campaign Finance: for all the marbles (November 9, 2025)

Campaign Finance: But wait, there’s more… (November 15, 2025)

Campaign Finance: Putting Donald Trump (r) First (November 16, 2025)

Campaign Finance: trying to keep up (November 17, 2025)

Campaign Finance: next level (November 21, 2025)

They’re Fascist assholes, but we already knew that (December 6, 2025)

Campaign Finance: we have to fight every step of the way (December 18, 2025)