Missouri Supreme Court threatens secretary of state with contempt amid intensifying redistricting battle, tell me about this news in (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/missouri-supreme-court-threatens-secretary-state-contempt-intensifying-redistricting-battle)
09-09-2026
Based on the Fox News report, the Missouri Supreme Court signaled it is considering holding Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in contempt of court amid an escalating legal battle over the state’s congressional map.Here are the key details reported in the article:
- The Contempt Threat: The Missouri Supreme Court ordered Denny Hoskins to appear in court to explain why he should not be held in contempt after he directed local election officials to use a newly redrawn 2025 congressional map, directly defying a state court injunction barring its implementation.
- The State Supreme Court Ruling: The state high court had previously blocked the new map because thousands of citizens signed a petition qualifying a statewide referendum for the November ballot to let voters decide whether to keep the map. The court ordered Missouri to revert to its previous district lines in the interim.
- U.S. Supreme Court Inaction: Hoskins sought an emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court, but Justice Brett Kavanaugh declined to grant it, leaving the state Supreme Court’s injunction in effect.
- Federal vs. State Clash: Immediately following Kavanaugh’s decision, U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark (a Trump appointee) entered a temporary restraining order forbidding Missouri from using any map other than the newly drawn 2025 plan. Hoskins cited the federal order and the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, stating on social media that he intends to use the new map and looks forward to his day in court.
- State Executive Response: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway backed using the new map, arguing that Judge Clark’s order is binding and that switching maps between the primary and general elections would cause voter confusion. Meanwhile, opponents representing the referendum sponsors appealed Judge Clark’s federal order to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing a single federal judge cannot overturn the state supreme court.
- Political Stakes: Missouri currently has six Republicans and two Democrats in the U.S. House. The contested map would dismantle one Democratic district (held by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver), potentially expanding the Republican delegation to seven seats as part of broader national redistricting efforts ahead of the midterms.