Particle.news
Download on the App Store
37 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Missouri Governor Calls Special Session to Redraw U.S. House Map Targeting Kansas City District

The move advances a coordinated mid‑decade GOP remap drive following Texas’ new map, with lawsuits expected.

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” that would extend the 5th District into Republican‑leaning areas outside Kansas City.
  • The proposal is designed to weaken Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s hold on the seat and could shift Missouri’s delegation from 6–2 to 7–1 in favor of Republicans.
  • President Donald Trump publicly praised the plan and has urged GOP‑led states to pursue off‑cycle redistricting to bolster the party’s U.S. House edge in 2026.
  • Democrats, including Cleaver, condemned the effort and signaled court challenges, citing Voting Rights Act concerns and state constitutional questions about mid‑cycle redraws.
  • Lawmakers will also take up changes to the citizen initiative process that would make qualifying and passing ballot measures more difficult, linking redistricting to broader rules changes.