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Missouri Supreme Court Threatens Secretary of State with Contempt Over Redistricting Battle
Confirmed
In Short: The Missouri Supreme Court is considering holding Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in contempt for using new congressional maps, despite a U.S. Supreme Court order to use old ones.
Missouri's Supreme Court is escalating its battle over congressional redistricting by considering holding Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in contempt for using new maps, despite a U.S. Supreme Court order to use the old ones.
Hoskins, a Republican, has defied the state Supreme Court's order, stating, 'I look forward to my day in court,' and citing the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled last week that the map backed by President Donald Trump cannot be used because thousands of voters signed a petition demanding a statewide referendum on it.
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh declined to grant an emergency stay requested by Hoskins, leaving in place the injunction ordered by the state Supreme Court.
Hoskins must appear in court on Thursday to explain why he shouldn't be held in contempt for instructing election officials to use the 2025 congressional map despite the injunction barring its use.
Opponents of the new redistricting plan quickly filed a notice to appeal Clark's order to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, adding to the political tension surrounding the upcoming midterm elections.
The case highlights the ongoing dispute over redistricting and its potential impact on the 2026 midterm elections, with both parties intensifying their efforts to control Congress.
What's still developing
- "An individual federal judge cannot overrule the Missouri Supreme Court," said attorney Chuck Hatfield, who represents People Not Politicians, the group that sponsored the referendum petition.
- U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani noted that election officials from across the country told the court that it is “likely impossible” to comply with the rules, which “makes disenfranchisement more than likely, if not probable” if the Postal Service were to proceed with them.
- The Trump administration and 12 Republican-led states that are supportive of the new Postal Service rules quickly appealed the Friday decision that night to the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals.
- The ruling is being appealed by the administration and the directive may ultimately end up back before the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Talwani issued her order after holding a contentious hearing in federal court in Boston on Thursday, where she questioned the Postal Service and the dozen conservative-led states supporting it on their ability to implement the changes in time for the Nov. 3 elections.
- Bonta’s office also criticized Department of Justice attorneys for rushing to the Supreme Court before Talwani could issue her order or the 1st Circuit Court could weigh in on an appeal the department had already filed on the matter.