Missouri Governor Calls Special Session for Redistricting
Missouri’s Republican Governor, Mike Kehoe, has announced the convening of a special session this Friday to redraw the state’s legislative map.
This decision comes just a week after Texas GOP lawmakers passed a heated bill that could potentially add five more Republican seats at the national level. In response, California plans to push back with its own congressional map adjustments.
Kehoe emphasized, “I’ve been reminded many times that in both good and bad times, the people of Missouri share more similarities than differences. Our values, whether on the left or right, are closer to one another than those extreme views from places like New York, California, or Illinois.” He shared this sentiment in a video posted on X.
“So today, I’m advocating for a special session on Congressional districts to ensure our districts and constitution reflect Missouri’s values and put Missourians first,” he added.
Currently, the House of Representatives for Missouri is made up of six Republicans and two Democrats.
The proposed map aims to give the GOP an edge in at least one district currently held by a Democrat, particularly by altering the Kansas City area.
Kehoe described the new map as “simpler, cleaner, and stronger.” He proclaimed, “This map was crafted by our team right here. We’re preserving the two existing legislative districts while minimizing the number of counties and municipalities we split compared to the current design. Each member of Missouri’s legislative delegation will remain in their existing district.”
He further assured, “Existing members will not be displaced.”
The special session for rezoning is set for September 3rd.
Former President Trump, who had previously called for similar redistricting efforts to bolster GOP positions ahead of the 2026 midterms, expressed support for Kehoe’s actions. He remarked, “The great governor of Missouri, Mike Kehoe, who triumphed six times in 2024 with a record 1.8 million votes, represents more than just Missouri. It’s about our entire nation.” Trump also praised the party’s unity, urging the Missouri Legislature to adopt the new map “as is.”
On the other hand, Congressman Cleaver criticized the redistricting initiative as an “unprecedented directive” and “an unconstitutional attack” on democracy. He asserted, “This move to gerrymander Missouri would muffle voices rather than merely shifting district lines. It denies citizens their expression and reveals that lawmakers feel incapable of winning votes.”
Cleaver added, “It’s about drowning out Missouri’s voice for the favor of someone a thousand miles away, aiming to dismantle the fifth district. If this effort advances, we will not recognize it.”
