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2d ago

Missouri Governor Calls Special Session to Redraw U.S. House Map Targeting Cleaver’s District

Democrats vow lawsuits as experts question whether Missouri can redraw districts mid‑cycle.

A photo illustration of Missouri governor Mike Kehoe.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation calling for a special election on a redrawn congressional map on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
California state Senate Republican leader Brian Jones of San Diego speaks against a package of measures to redraw the state's Congressional districts and put new maps before voters in a special election, during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif.., Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri, is seen on September 16, 2022.

Overview

  • Gov. Mike Kehoe set a Sept. 3 start for a special session and unveiled a “Missouri First” map for the state’s eight U.S. House seats.
  • The proposal reshapes Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City–area 5th District by extending it into more Republican‑leaning areas, with Republicans eyeing a potential 7–1 advantage.
  • Kehoe paired the map with legislation to tighten the citizen initiative process, a long‑standing GOP priority in Jefferson City.
  • President Donald Trump praised the plan, while Cleaver and national Democrats condemned it as a gerrymander and pledged court challenges.
  • Attorneys warned the effort could violate Missouri’s constitution and trigger substantial litigation; lawmakers are also expected to consider the plan during the Sept. 10 veto session as Texas enacts a new GOP map and California advances a Democratic counter for a November vote.