Republican Governor of Missouri summons a special meeting to revise the boundaries of congressional districts

In a move that has sparked controversy and heated debates, Missouri's Republican Governor, Mike Kehoe, has announced a special legislative session starting Wednesday, with a focus on redrawing the state's congressional map and reforming the ballot initiative petition process.

The proposed congressional map, known as the "Missouri First Map," has been unveiled by Gov. Kehoe. If implemented, this map could significantly alter the state's political landscape, particularly in the 5th congressional district. Currently represented by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat, the redrawn district would include a larger swath of the state.

Cleaver and his constituents have vowed to fight the proposed map redrawing in courts and at the ballot box. U.S. Rep. Cleaver himself has issued a statement opposing the proposed map, calling it an "unconstitutional attack against democracy."

The redistricting effort aims to make the 5th congressional district more Republican, implying a potential Republican challenger might replace Cleaver. However, there is no specific alternative named as his successor.

National Democrats have also criticized Gov. Kehoe's announcement, calling it an attempt to dilute the power of Missouri voters. Infighting erupted among Republicans in Missouri in 2022 over whether to pursue a 7-1 Republican-dominated map. However, the legislature ultimately pushed forward the existing 6-2 map amid concerns that a change could make several GOP-held districts more competitive.

President Donald Trump has expressed support for mid-decade redistricting, as he did in Texas. Trump posted on his social media platform that Missouri's redistricting would give Missourians the opportunity to elect an additional MAGA Republican in the 2026 Midterm Elections.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kehoe's proposed map splits counties and towns less than the current one and preserves two districts as they are. The appeals court has ruled that Trump's global tariffs are unlawful, but it remains to be seen whether the same fate will befall Gov. Kehoe's proposed map.

This redistricting controversy comes at a time when the recovery of 'Katrina babies', individuals who were born during or immediately after Hurricane Katrina, is still a pressing issue 20 years later. The outcome of this redistricting battle in Missouri could have significant implications for the state's political landscape and the representation of its voters.

Republican Governor of Missouri summons a special meeting to revise the boundaries of congressional districts