Mike Kehoe Wants New Map Favoring Republicans Only
The gerrymandering war continues. After Texas and California, Missouri’s Republican governor, Mike Kehoe, has scheduled a special session of the state House for Wednesday, September 3, to approve a new electoral district map that would give the GOP control over another seat. The goal is to maintain a slim majority in the federal Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.
According to Kehoe’s announcement, the new map, called the “Missouri First Map,” “divides fewer counties than the current one, retains two congressional districts and all members of today’s delegation,” calling into question the Kansas City seat currently held by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver. Currently, the Missouri House has eight seats: six Republicans and two Democrats. It is unlikely that the governor’s proposed measure will not be approved at the first session.
President Donald Trump praised Kehoe’s move on Truth Social: “The great state of Missouri is there. I’m not surprised. It’s a fantastic state with fantastic people. I won it all three times with a landslide. We will win the midterm elections in Missouri again, stronger and better than ever!”
Cleaver responded by arguing that “this attempt at gerrymandering in Missouri will not only change the boundaries of electoral districts, but it will silence voices and deny representation.” Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin also came to his defense: “Another Republican governor has just caved to Donald Trump’s demands at the expense of Missouri families and American democracy. He is trying to weaken the power of Missouri citizens by preventing them from opposing this power grab.”
Gerrymandering to redraw state electoral districts and favor the majority of one party or another in the federal Congress is an age-old practice used by both Democrats and Republicans. But it has never been so blatant. After a month of infighting in the face of the strategic flight of Democratic representatives, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the new map with five more seats easily winnable by Republicans. The opposition has threatened to challenge the reorganization in court.
In response to Texas’ decision, California Governor Gavin Newsom called a special referendum to allow the state House to evaluate gerrymandering. If it passes, Democratic representatives will be able to discuss a map with five additional electoral districts in their favor.
Other states are considering redrawing their districts: Indiana, Ohio, and Florida could add more seats in favor of Republicans, while New York, Illinois, Maryland, and Utah (surprisingly) could add seats in favor of Democrats.
