Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered a special legislative session to draw new congressional maps, potentially adding a Republican-majority district to the state’s delegation. The move aligns with President Trump’s strategy to strengthen GOP control in the House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, following similar efforts in Texas and Indiana. Democrats face hurdles in opposing the plan, as Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers and have the legislative power to override any objections.
Kehoe’s announcement is part of a broader national redistricting battle that seeks to shape the political landscape for the 2026 midterm elections. The proposed maps, released on Friday, target the Kansas City-area 5th Congressional district, currently represented by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. This shift could further entrench Republican dominance in the state, given the current balance of power in Missouri’s congressional delegation.
Trump’s influence in driving states like Texas and Missouri to redraw their maps is evident, with the former president actively championing the cause. His recent declarations about Missouri’s involvement in mid-decade redistricting underscore the GOP’s strategic focus on maximizing electoral gains ahead of the midterms. However, the plan has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, who argue that it undermines the voice of voters and dilutes their political power.
Democrats in Missouri are now facing significant challenges in opposing the redistricting effort, as Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature. This means they can bypass any legislative obstacles and enact the maps without the need for bipartisan consensus. The situation mirrors recent events in Texas, where Democrats left the state to prevent the legislature from achieving a quorum and delaying the approval of new maps.
Meanwhile, the national redistricting race is intensifying, with other states like Indiana and Ohio also under pressure to draw new maps that favor Republicans. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have been actively campaigning to ensure these states follow through with their redistricting plans, which could further bolster Republican representation in the House. Yet, Democrats have limited avenues to counter this push, with only California currently moving forward with a ballot measure to create new Democratic-leaning districts.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin has condemned the Missouri redistricting effort, calling it a power grab that weakens the ability of voters to influence their representatives. He has accused Kehoe of repeatedly undermining the will of Missouri voters and now attempting to strip them of their power entirely. This marks a significant escalation in the political battle over redistricting, with both parties vying to shape the electoral landscape in their favor ahead of the 2026 midterms.