Missouri Senate Approves New Congressional Map
On Friday, the Missouri Senate passed a new congressional map, which, once implemented, will create one solidly Republican district ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Governor Mike Kehoe, a Republican, described the newly drawn map as “the first map of Missouri,” and he is expected to sign it into law shortly. Reports indicate that Missouri is joining Texas as the second Republican-led state to implement a redistricting plan aimed at adding more GOP districts. In Texas, the revised map is anticipated to secure five additional Republican representatives for the state.
The so-called “First Map of Missouri” significantly alters the political landscape, especially in Democrat-leaning Kansas City, transforming the current 5th Congressional District, held by Democrat Emmanuel Cleaver, into a Republican seat. The changes also boost Republican presence in the second legislative district, where Republican Rep. Anne Wagner will continue her representation.
Cleaver, who has served for multiple terms, has expressed intentions to contest the new map in court, describing it as a poorly thought-out plan. He and other Democrats are preparing to fight against these changes, which they view as detrimental to fair representation.
Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Bob Onder celebrated the map’s approval, calling it a “great day for Missouri.” His comments suggest a strong partisan divide regarding the implications of the map.
During a caucus meeting earlier this month, Donald Trump urged state senators in Missouri to support the new map. Further efforts are also happening in Indiana, as the White House encourages votes ahead of the midterm elections. Ohio will soon join this wave, as plans are underway to redraw its district map in line with state law before the 2026 elections.
In August, Texas already implemented a new district map, which may enable Democrats in California to increase their total representatives. With various states adjusting their congressional maps, there’s a notable shift in political strategies ahead of the upcoming elections.
