Judge dismisses case brought by losing 5th district primary candidates

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Cole County judge on Wednesday dismissed a case that was filed by the losing candidates of a primary election.

Brett Hueffmeier, Micah Beebe, Jana Morris, Michael Morris and Peter Smedile filed a lawsuit on earlier this month against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, candidate Rick Brattin and the state’s Republican party after Hoskins told county clerks to use a 2022 congressional map after a year-long back and forth in the courts.

The primary election used a map drawn in 2025 known as the “Missouri First” map that was said to give Republicans an advantage in a district held by a Democrat.

The U.S. Supreme Court mandated the use of the 2022 congressional map last week.

Judge Daniel Green ruled on Wednesday “that all issues are statutorily time barred.”