Missouri Governor Calls Special Session for Redistricting

Missouri’s Governor, Mike Kehoe, plans to initiate a redistricting process that may lead to a shift in control from Democrats to Republicans in the state. This special session is set to commence at noon on Wednesday, September 3rd, with a particular focus on the 5th Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Emmanuel Cleaver in Kansas City.

The Republican-led proposal aims to alter the district’s boundaries to favor GOP candidates, potentially increasing their congressional representation from a current 6-2 advantage to a 7-1 majority. “This is about voter clarity and our future ownership, and we hope that Congress will work together to pass Missouri’s first map and much-needed IP reform,” stated Kehoe recently. The session will also tackle reforms related to the state’s initiative petition process, an issue long prioritized by conservatives.

In a similar vein, Democratic leaders in the Missouri House are hoping the Governor will call upon Jefferson City next week to discuss legislative boundary adjustments. This move follows Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s signing of a new congressional map just hours prior. Former President Donald Trump has encouraged Republican-led states to pursue redistricting efforts as part of a broader strategy to reshape political boundaries.

Democrats have strongly criticized the initiative, describing it as an “astounding abuse of power” aimed at benefiting one political party, as remarked by Missouri Democrat Chairman Rus Carnahan. The affected representative, Cleaver, whose constituents may be marginalized under this new map, has pledged to fight against the changes. “I will not abandon the voices of those who have entrusted me to fight for them,” he stated, asserting that the rule of law will ultimately prevail through the courts and at the ballot box.

This extraordinary session overlaps with an already scheduled rejection session on September 10th.