Denny Hoskins
Coverage of Denny Hoskins in the Nexus archive.
- Missouri redistricting referendum blocked by secretary of state, drawing lawsuit
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked public votes on a state's new congressional map and a proposed constitutional amendment, declaring both measures unconstitutional. He argued that the Missouri Constitution does not permit a referendum on redistricting plans, citing violations of federal law. This decision prompted an immediate court challenge from People Not Politicians.
- Referendum campaign asks court to block new Missouri map from November election
A Missouri campaign seeking a public vote on the state's congressional map is suing to block its use in the November election, arguing the Secretary of State improperly certified it. The lawsuit challenges the map's constitutionality and raises questions about the validity of primary election results under the disputed districts.
- Michigan Democratic race to close to call with El-Sayed in narrow lead | First Thing
The Democratic Senate primary in Michigan remains too close to call with Abdul El-Sayed leading Haley Stevens. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez secured a spot in Washington state's all-party primary, while Missouri's election official rejected a redistricting referendum petition.
- Missouri rejects citizens’ bid for vote on Trump-backed redistricting plan
Missouri's top election official rejected a petition for a referendum on a new congressional redistricting plan. The petition aimed to force a vote on a redistricting map approved by the state legislature. The secretary of state claimed the petition was invalid because congressional redistricting plans cannot be subject to referendums.
- Missouri rejects citizens’ bid for vote on Trump-backed redistricting plan
Missouri’s top election official rejected a petition seeking a referendum on a congressional redistricting plan supported by Donald Trump. The petition aimed to force a vote on a new US House map approved by the state legislature, but the secretary of state declared it invalid, stating redistricting plans cannot be subject to referendums.
- Missouri redistricting referendum blocked by secretary of state, drawing lawsuit
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked two ballot measures from appearing on the November 2020 ballot, claiming they are unconstitutional. The measures aimed to force a referendum on a congressional redistricting map and to limit legislative power over initiative measures. A political action committee submitted over 300,000 signatures for each proposal, but Hoskins asserted the state constitution does not permit referendums on redistricting and that one amendment violated single-subject requirements.
- Missouri election chief rejects bid to hold public vote on Trump-backed congressional districts
Missouri's Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a petition seeking a referendum on new congressional districts, citing constitutional grounds. The petition, supported by People Not Politicians and backed by over 300,000 signatures, aims to challenge the Republican-led redistricting plan in court. The decision allows the new districts to be used in upcoming elections despite ongoing legal disputes.
- Missouri turnout could hit 1.4 million as ballot measures drive primary interest
Missouri expects up to 1.4 million voters in its primary election, driven by two major ballot measures (Amendments 4 and 5) and congressional primaries in three districts. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins predicts 32% voter turnout, the highest since 2004, with significant variation across counties ranging from 20% to 70%.
- What Missouri officials didn’t explain about an LGBTQ+ library story time
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and State Sen. Rick Brattin criticized a 'rainbow story time' at a Columbia library featuring books about LGBTQ+ themes, threatening to cut funding if the event proceeded. The library held the event, spending $26 on materials, while legal experts clarified that discussing LGBTQ+ topics is not a crime under state law.
- Missouri Republicans threaten library funding over ‘rainbow story time’
Missouri Republican officials threatened to cut state funding for Columbia's public library after it hosted a 'rainbow story time' featuring LGBTQ+ children's books. The event, which used minimal resources, drew complaints from residents and prompted investigations into whether the library violated laws restricting explicit material for minors.
- Missouri early voting period opens with a rush that points to high primary turnout
Missouri's early voting period for the August 4 primary election saw a surge in voter turnout, with counties like St. Charles and Boone reporting significantly higher numbers compared to previous years. The increase is attributed to voter familiarity with early voting and the presence of two constitutional amendments (Amendment 4 and 5) alongside a competitive Republican primary for county executive in St. Charles.
- Uncertain congressional map hangs over Missouri’s crowded 5th District GOP primary
The Republican primary in Missouri's 5th Congressional District faces uncertainty due to a potential legal challenge over a newly drawn map. Six candidates, including Taylor Burks and Rick Brattin, compete for the nomination, with outside groups spending over $2.8 million, while the Secretary of State will decide if a referendum petition has enough signatures to challenge the map's validity.
- Missouri secretary of state sues to close records on redistricting referendum signatures
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins sued to block disclosure of records related to reviewing signatures on a referendum petition challenging the state's congressional redistricting map. The lawsuit involves a request by Emily Gerber, deputy director of People Not Politicians, under the Sunshine Law, with Hoskins arguing the records are protected due to ongoing litigation.
- Local election officials go with Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional map despite uncertainty
Missouri election officials are mailing primary ballots using a gerrymandered congressional map with unresolved legal status. Voters in 28 counties have been reassigned to new districts, and a petition for a referendum on the map remains pending. Local officials have opted to use the new districts to avoid inconsistencies.
- Missouri courts keep rewriting ballot language as fights over direct democracy intensify
Missouri courts have repeatedly rejected or rewritten ballot language summaries drafted by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and Republican lawmakers, focusing on issues like abortion, redistricting, and tax reforms. These disputes have intensified as part of a broader national conflict over direct democracy, with experts noting increased efforts to manipulate voter understanding through ballot language.
- Republicans won the redistricting battle. Now voters will decide whether they win Congress
Republicans secured favorable redistricting outcomes in multiple states, potentially gaining 10-16 additional U.S. House seats in the November elections. Democrats counter with new districts in California and Utah but face challenges in maintaining congressional control amid historical trends favoring them. Key states with revised maps include Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio.
- Gov. Mike Kehoe’s decision on ballot timing could shape Missouri’s 2026 elections
Gov. Mike Kehoe must decide by Friday which of five constitutional amendments will appear on Missouri's August 4 primary ballot, a choice that could influence their passage and election turnout. Seven amendments are slated for 2026, with five eligible for August and others potentially appearing in November. The decision involves proposals on abortion restrictions, tax changes, and electoral reforms, with political consultants divided on optimal timing for voter impact.
- Missouri voters could face as many as nine ballot measures in 2026
Missouri voters may face up to nine ballot measures in 2026, including proposals on abortion, taxes, state parks, and redistricting. Seven measures are already confirmed, with two pending decisions. Amendment 3, which would repeal 2024 abortion rights and ban gender-affirming care for minors, faces a campaign with significant financial backing.
- Lawsuit asks judge to force decision on Missouri gerrymandering referendum
A lawsuit seeks to compel Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to decide if a referendum challenging the state's new congressional map qualifies for the November ballot before the August 4 primary. The political action committee People Not Politicians claims Hoskins and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway are delaying a decision, while Hoskins argues he needs the full allotted time to review petitions that may meet constitutional thresholds.