Full Breakdown
Missouri Lawmaker Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins
1/8/2026, 11:40:45 PM
Impeachment Resolution Filed
On the first day of the legislative session, Missouri State Representative Will Jobe, a Democrat from Independence, introduced House Resolution 3879, seeking to initiate impeachment proceedings against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. Jobe alleges that Hoskins deliberately failed to count approximately 100,000 signatures on petitions related to a redistricting referendum that aims to present a new congressional map to voters in November.
Allegations Against Secretary of State
Representative Jobe claims that Hoskins did not count about one-third of the signatures submitted for the redistricting petition. This claim has sparked significant controversy, as the outcome could affect the upcoming elections. In response, Secretary of State Hoskins stated that the signatures collected before October 14 were not valid for counting, as they were gathered prior to the certification of the petition language. He emphasized that these signatures are being preserved but will not be counted unless mandated by a court order.
Legal Context and Historical Precedent
The issue surrounding the signatures is currently under judicial review in a Cole County court case. This situation is reminiscent of the last impeachment proceedings in Missouri, which involved Governor Eric Greitens in 2018. Greitens resigned before an impeachment vote could take place, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding such actions in the state.
Political Landscape and Challenges
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the resolution faces significant hurdles. The Missouri House of Representatives is currently led by Republicans, and the likelihood of the impeachment resolution advancing is low. House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, representing Kansas City, has also commented on the situation, indicating that the political dynamics may impede the progress of Jobe's resolution.
Official Statements & Responses
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins defended his actions, stating, “The signatures that were collected before October 14… don’t count. We are preserving those and setting those aside.” He maintains that he is operating within legal boundaries regarding the certification process.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the impeachment resolution argue that it may be politically motivated and could set a concerning precedent for future legislative actions. The Republican majority may view the resolution as an attempt to undermine the authority of the Secretary of State, further complicating the political discourse surrounding the issue.
What's Next
As the Cole County court case progresses, the implications of the ruling could significantly impact the impeachment proceedings and the redistricting process in Missouri. The outcome will be closely monitored by both supporters and opponents of the resolution.
