JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, has called a special session of the state legislature to redraw the state’s congressional map — a move that follows a controversial redistricting law recently passed in Texas and signals a broader GOP effort to reshape House representation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The special session, set to begin on September 3, aims to adopt what Kehoe is calling the “Missouri First Map.” The proposal could shift Missouri’s current 6-2 Republican-to-Democrat congressional delegation further in the GOP’s favor by targeting Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-based district.
In a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, Kehoe said the redistricting push is intended to reflect “Missouri values” and reduce outside influence from states like California, New York, and Illinois.
“Our Missouri values across both sides of the aisle are closer to each other than those of the extreme left,” Kehoe said. “That’s why today I’m calling for a special session on congressional redistricting—to ensure our districts and constitution truly reflect Missouri values and put Missourians’ priorities first.”
Kehoe emphasized that the new map would preserve the districts of all current members of Missouri’s congressional delegation and reduce the number of split counties and municipalities.
“This map was drawn here, made here, for here,” he added. “It’s simpler, cleaner, and stronger.”
Former President Donald Trump praised Kehoe’s decision, calling it a “HUGE VICTORY for our America First Agenda” and urging lawmakers to approve the proposed map without changes. Trump, who has been vocal about the importance of GOP-controlled redistricting efforts, said the new map could help elect an additional Republican in Missouri in 2026.
Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver sharply criticized the move, calling it an “unprecedented directive” and an “unconstitutional attack” on democracy.
“This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines—it will silence voices and deny representation,” Cleaver said in a statement. “It tells Missourians that elections are no longer decided by the voters but predetermined by political power brokers.”
The debate over Missouri’s map comes amid a broader national battle over congressional redistricting. Texas recently passed a redistricting bill that could create up to five new Republican-leaning districts, while Democratic-led California is reportedly considering changes aimed at countering the impact of GOP-led efforts.
The outcome of Missouri’s special session could shape not only the state’s political future but also the national balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026.
