Missouri map fight returns to Supreme Court as Hoskins faces contempt showdown
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Missouri’s congressional map fight is back before the U.S. Supreme Court, while Secretary of State Denny Hoskins prepares for a potentially extraordinary contempt hearing before the Missouri Supreme Court.
A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined Wednesday to stop a federal order requiring Missouri to use its Republican-backed 2025 congressional map in the November election.
The panel said it either lacked jurisdiction at this stage or that opponents had not yet met the requirements for an emergency stay.
People Not Politicians immediately appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the justices to temporarily block the federal order while litigation continues.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh on Tuesday rejected Missouri’s separate attempt to block a state Supreme Court ruling requiring use of the older 2022 congressional districts.
Minutes later, U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark issued a conflicting order barring Missouri from using any map except the 2025 version.
For now, Missouri officials say they are following Clark’s federal order and preparing to use the newer districts.
But the Missouri Supreme Court maintains its injunction remains in effect and has ordered Hoskins to appear personally at 10 a.m. Thursday to explain why directing counties to use the 2025 map should not be considered contempt.
Hoskins has now asked Clark to stop that hearing, arguing he cannot be punished for complying with a federal court order.
The dispute is becoming increasingly urgent as Missouri approaches the Sept. 19 deadline for sending military and overseas ballots.
