Missouri Gov. Kehoe Initiates Special Session to Redraw Congressional Maps for GOP Gain
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has called a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional district boundaries, aiming to increase Republican-held seats and solidify GOP influence in the House.
Missouri to take up redistricting fight in special session
Washington Examiner
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Overview
- Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe initiated a special legislative session to address the state's congressional district boundaries.
- The primary objective is to strategically increase the number of Republican-held seats within Missouri's eight House districts.
- Currently, Missouri's congressional delegation consists of six Republican and two Democratic House seats.
- This redistricting effort comes as Republicans secured a House majority in 2024, holding a 219-212 lead with four current vacancies.
- The special session aims to capitalize on the current political landscape to further solidify and expand the Republican party's influence in the state's representation.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by presenting Governor Kehoe's redistricting and initiative petition reform efforts primarily through the lens of Republican strategy and justification. They emphasize Kehoe's and Trump's positive characterizations of the plans, while notably omitting critical perspectives from Missouri Democrats or independent analysts. This approach shapes a narrative that highlights the partisan intent and perceived benefits from a Republican viewpoint.
"Kehoe cast both items as a defense against liberal politicians and activists."
Chicago Tribune"Kehoe's announcement drew praise from Trump in a lengthy Truth Social post on Aug. 29."
USA TODAY"Kehoe cast both items as a defense against liberal politicians and activists."
CBS News"The directive makes Missouri the second Republican-led state to move ahead with redrawing their congressional maps to favor the GOP heading into the 2026 midterm elections."
NBC News"Missouri Republicans are poised to redraw their state's congressional lines to help maintain the GOP majority in the U.S. House."
NPRArticles (13)
Center (5)
FAQ
Governor Mike Kehoe called a special session to redraw Missouri's congressional district boundaries to increase Republican-held seats and solidify GOP influence in the House.
The Missouri First Map splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current map, preserves two existing congressional districts, and retains every current member of Missouri's congressional delegation in their current districts.
Under the proposed map, Kansas City would be split among multiple districts: Platte and Clay counties and parts of southern Kansas City would be in the 6th District; downtown and midtown west of U.S. Highway 71, plus Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, would belong to the 4th District; and the 5th District would include portions east of U.S. Highway 71, Independence, Raytown, and additional counties.
Missouri's redistricting is part of a national effort by Republicans, encouraged by former President Trump, to redraw maps mid-decade to gain a partisan advantage in the U.S. House, following similar efforts in Texas and opposition efforts in California.
Critics, including voter advocacy groups, argue that gerrymandering Missouri's districts will harm voters by splitting cities like Lee's Summit and Kansas City into multiple districts, diluting community representation and undermining the principle of "one-person, one vote."
History
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