Missouri's Republican Governor Mike Kehoe has called a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional districts, following pressure from former President Donald Trump to undertake mid-decade redistricting. This move comes as Texas also recently signed into law new maps, fueling the national debate over partisan gerrymandering.
Kehoe Unveils Proposed 'Missouri First Map'
The special session, scheduled to begin next Wednesday, will also address reforms to the state's ballot initiative petition process. Kehoe stated that these measures aim to “ensure our districts and Constitution truly put Missouri values first.” He also unveiled a proposed congressional map, dubbed the 'Missouri First Map,' claiming it splinters counties and towns less than the current one and preserves two districts as they are.
Trump's Influence and National Implications
Trump publicly praised Kehoe's decision, suggesting the new map would provide Missouri voters with the opportunity to elect an additional 'MAGA Republican' in the upcoming midterm elections. This redistricting effort reflects a broader push by Trump and his allies in several Republican-controlled states, including Ohio, Indiana, and South Carolina, to redraw congressional maps to favor the GOP. This strategy aims to solidify or expand the Republican party's narrow majority in the U.S. House after the 2026 midterm elections.
The proposed map notably targets the Kansas City-area district held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, potentially shifting the balance of power in Missouri's congressional delegation. Cleaver has previously threatened legal action to block any map that specifically targets his seat.
- Texas also recently redrew its congressional map.
- Trump is pushing for redistricting in several states.
- The Missouri special session begins next Wednesday.