Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) is aiming to hold special sessions aimed at redistricting the state legislature, potentially making Missouri the next state to redraw its legislative district lines.
Kehoe made the announcement in a release on Friday, stating that Congress would reconvene on Wednesday to unveil his proposed map. This proposal seems particularly aimed at reshaping the fifth legislative district, currently represented by Democrat Emmanuel Cleaver, by incorporating more suburban areas outside of Kansas City to shift it towards a more conservative stance.
Cleaver has criticized the proposal, calling it unconstitutional and claiming it overlooks the nearly 40% of Missourians who backed Democratic candidates last year. He stated his commitment to fight against this redistricting, even if it is ultimately approved.
“I will not abandon the voices of those who entrusted me with fighting for them,” he remarked. “The people in the fifth district and I will fight relentlessly to ensure Missouri doesn’t become an anti-ethnic state. Politicians are attempting to choose their voters instead of doing their jobs. The rule of law must be upheld, our voices must be heard, and democracy should prevail.”
Cleaver represents one of the two Democrats in Missouri’s House delegation, alongside Rep. Weslie Bell, while the remaining six members are Republicans.
Kehoe responded by asserting that the people of Missouri have more commonality than differences. He suggested that Missouri’s values, across the political spectrum, align more with one another than with the extreme left movements found in states like New York, California, and Illinois. He emphasized that Missouri’s conservative values should be properly represented throughout its government.
This redistricting could secure Republicans an additional seat in Missouri, which could be significant for the 2026 House majority. In contrast, Democrats are hopeful about potentially gaining five extra seats in California if a proposed voting measure passes, enabling state officials to redraw Congressional maps prior to the midterm elections.
Such changes could help counterbalance a new map in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott (R) recently signed legislation that adds five seats for Republicans.
If Missouri and other Republican-leaning states undertake similar redistricting, it may provide the GOP with an edge in future electoral battles.
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin criticized Kehoe’s actions, suggesting they are aligned with President Trump’s agenda and detrimental to Missouri families and American democracy.
“Let’s be clear. This all stemmed from Trump and the Republicans pushing through an unpopular budget that hurt the working class while favoring the wealthy,” Martin stated. “Now, instead of accepting electoral outcomes, they seek to handpick their voters. That’s not how democracy functions.”
He added that, like California, Democrats are committed to safeguarding voter rights and will not back down. The DNC stands behind all Americans as Republicans attempt to manipulate the democratic process.
Kehoe has also called for Congress to deliberate on voting laws during the special sessions, advocating for public comment periods before signature collections for measures, aiming to ensure majorities are recognized both statewide and within each legislative district.
