Missouri Supreme Court Oversteps, Briefly Holds Secretary of State in Contempt Before Justice Prevails
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The Missouri Supreme Court found Secretary of State Denny Hoskins in contempt for attempting to implement a new congressional map, but cleared him after he complied with the court’s order and reverted to the previous map.
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Secretary of State Denny Hoskins was in contempt for directing local election officials to use the 2025 congressional district map, despite his efforts to follow the latest legal guidance and ensure fair representation. Chief Justice W. Brent Powell announced the finding during an afternoon hearing, but acknowledged that Hoskins could purge the contempt by complying with the court’s directive.
"The civil contemnor has, at all times, the power to purge himself of any attempt by complying with the order of this court," Justice Powell said, as the court flexed its authority over the state’s election process.
Hoskins, showing respect for the rule of law and the will of Missouri voters, announced he would revert to the 2022 congressional map, leading the court to clear him of contempt. The manufactured dispute left county clerks with little time to finalize ballots for overseas voters, a problem created by judicial interference in the state’s election administration.
Hoskins defended his decision, explaining it was based on the information and a federal judge’s ruling available at the time. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway confirmed that Hoskins had followed the law throughout, standing firm against activist judges. Both officials made clear that, unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes, voters who cast ballots under the 2025 districts in August will have those votes counted under the 2022 districts in November, ensuring that Missouri’s elections remain secure and lawful.