Missouri Senate Approves GOP Gerrymandered Map, Tightens Ballot Rules

Missouri's Republican-controlled legislature has passed a new congressional map and a measure to tighten requirements for passing constitutional amendments via ballot initiatives, both aimed at bolstering GOP control in the U.S. House of Representatives. The redistricting plan, which Governor Mike Kehoe is expected to sign, splits the Kansas City area to reduce Democratic representation, likely eliminating one of the state’s Democratic seats and increasing Republican chances to hold seven of eight congressional districts. These efforts are part of a broader push led by President Donald Trump and his allies to secure additional Republican seats in the 2026 midterm elections through mid-decade redistricting. Opponents of the map and the ballot initiative changes can attempt to force a public vote by gathering sufficient signatures, potentially delaying implementation until 2026. Democratic lawmakers and groups like People Not Politicians oppose these measures, warning that such tactics threaten democracy and could provoke legal challenges. Despite Democratic opposition and warnings from Rep. Emanuel Cleaver about the dangers of aggressive redistricting, Republicans defend the moves as necessary to better represent Missouri’s constituents on the national level.