Missouri Secretary of State Faces Lawsuits Over Redistricting Delay

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is facing a series of legal challenges following a dispute over a congressional redistricting referendum. Voters Kate Dennis and Curry Spray filed a proposed class action lawsuit alleging Hoskins deliberately delayed ruling on the referendum until just before the August 4 primary deadline. This delay forced voters to use disputed 2025 congressional maps for the primary, despite the Missouri Supreme Court later ruling the referendum legal and ordering the November 3 general election to use 2022 maps.

The plaintiffs argue that tens of thousands of voters were deprived of the ability to nominate candidates they will now vote for in November, seeking $500 per class member plus compensatory damages. This litigation coincides with two other lawsuits against Hoskins: one seeking $80 million over signature verification and another filed by former state election integrity director Nick La Strada, who alleges he was fired for reporting illegal activity within the secretary of state's office.

Simultaneously, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held a hearing on September 18 to determine if the 2025 map can be reinstated before the general election. Republican plaintiffs, including U.S. Representative Bob Onder and State Senator Rick Brattin, argue the 2025 map should be used to help the GOP flip a Democratic-held seat. Presiding Judge James Loken expressed urgency in reaching a resolution before absentee ballots are mailed, while questioning if it is already too late to change the districts.