Grayson and Kennedy seek to halt the MCN Special Election

updated: March 12, 4:45 p.m.

OKMULGEE – On March 9, Demario Solomon-Simmons, representing Rhonda Grayson and Jeffery Kennedy, filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Supreme Court.

As previously reported, the MCN SC issued its order and opinion in the Grayson/Kennedy case on July 23, 2025. The high court found that any reference to “by blood” citizenship in the MCN Constitution was void ab initio. It then ordered the MCN Citizenship Board to apply the Treaty of 1866 to issue citizenship to both Grayson and Kennedy, as well as any future applicant who is able to establish a lineal descent on the Creek By Blood Dawes Roll or the Creek Freedmen Dawes Roll.

The motion points out that a special election is being held on May 30, so MCN citizens can vote on amendments to the Constitution. The motion further indicates that delaying Grayson and Kennedy’s citizenship, as well as that of other applicants, would cause irreparable harm by denying them the ability to vote.

The motion asks the MCN SC to issue a restraining order and preliminary injunction halting the May special election and postponing voter registration until Grayson, Kennedy, and all other Muscogee (Creek) Freedmen with pending citizenship applications are granted citizenship cards.

Update: In addition to the motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, Solomon-Simmons also filed a third motion for contempt, for court enforcement of order and judgement and for an order to show cause. This motion requests that the MCN SC hold the MCN Citizenship Board in contempt and order that it issue Grayson and Kennedy citizenship cards immediately.  The motion also requests that the MCN SC hold Principal Chief David Hill in contempt and award Grayson and Kennedy attorney’s fees and costs associated with the motion.  At press time, the MCN SC had not ruled on these motions.

Mvskoke Media will have ongoing coverage of this developing story.