Overview
- The Republican-led Senate voted 21-11 to give final legislative approval to the map in a special session, sending it to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who is expected to sign it.
- The plan redraws Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City district by extending it into Republican-leaning rural areas and reducing Black and minority voters, including a divide along historically segregated Troost Avenue.
- Republicans aim to shift Missouri’s delegation from 6-2 to 7-1 in their favor, a potential factor in 2026 when Democrats need a net gain of about three seats to retake the U.S. House.
- Opponents have filed lawsuits and launched a referendum drive, with Missouri rules allowing 90 days after the governor’s signature to collect signatures for a statewide vote.
- Protests filled the statehouse this week as Trump publicly urged passage; Cleaver pledged to sue and to seek reelection in 2026 regardless of the new lines.