Missouri has taken a significant step in reshaping its congressional boundaries with the signing of a new map by Republican Governor Mike Kehoe. This move, which could bolster the GOP’s House majority, comes with legal challenges that are already surfacing.
The new congressional map, dubbed the Missouri First Map, aims to adjust representation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Notably, it may threaten Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s seat. In a recent news release, Kehoe expressed his pride in this decision, stating, “We believe this map best represents Missourians, and I appreciate the support and efforts of state legislators, our congressional delegation, and President Trump in getting this map to my desk.”
Kehoe called for a special session of the General Assembly to expedite this process shortly after Trump had raised the idea of redistricting in red states to favor Republican interests. This trend is not isolated to Missouri. It follows a pattern seen in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott faced scrutiny from the Department of Justice over allegations of unconstitutional racial gerrymandering in several congressional districts.
The legality of Missouri’s new map, however, is now under question. The NAACP has initiated a challenge against Kehoe, claiming he overstepped his authority by calling an “extraordinary session” for redistricting. Two additional lawsuits have emerged: one filed by a private firm on behalf of state residents and another by the Missouri ACLU. These suits raise concerns about the timing of the map’s passage, given that redistricting typically occurs post-census, and highlight issues such as a Kansas City precinct counted in two districts.
Responding to these challenges, Kehoe asserted, “We’ll let the courts decide on that.” He attributed the precinct overlap to a census issue, insisting that voters had not been placed in conflicting districts. The structure of Missouri’s redistricting process grants significant power to the legislature and governor, leading to concerns among left-leaning groups who perceive it as politically motivated.
Different states maintain varying regulations for redistricting. In Missouri, the framework allows the legislature to redraw congressional lines while empowering the governor to approve or veto them. The mid-decade timing of this plan, steeped in allegations of racial bias, has invited scrutiny and could potentially escalate to the Supreme Court depending on lower court outcomes.
In addition to the legal disputes, a grassroots group known as People NOT Politicians is working to collect 110,000 signatures by year’s end to push for a ballot initiative. If they succeed, the new congressional map would require statewide voter approval before it goes into effect. Kehoe expressed confidence in the advice and guidance his administration received during the redistricting process, stating, “I really believe they’re very good on these issues, and we think we’ll withstand all those challenges.”
The unfolding situation in Missouri is indicative of a broader strategy by Republican-led states to leverage redistricting in favor of the party. As legal battles loom, the implications of these changes could significantly influence the political landscape in the coming elections.
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