Missouri governor approves Republican-leaning district map

In a significant political maneuver, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) has signed into law a new congressional map that could reshape the state’s representation in the U.S. House.

The new law, dubbed the “Missouri First Map,” redraws Missouri’s congressional districts to likely favor Republicans by adding one seat in the 2026 midterm elections, sparking sharp criticism from Democrats who view it as a partisan move, as The Hill reports.

The legislative process for this map unfolded with votes in both chambers of the Missouri Legislature, where it passed largely along party lines. Some Republicans in the state House, however, broke ranks and opposed the measure.

Signing Ceremony Marks Political Shift

On Sunday, Gov. Kehoe officially enacted the “Missouri First Map” into law. He expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing its alignment with Missouri’s values.

“I was proud to officially sign the Missouri First Map into law today ahead of the 2026 midterm election,” Kehoe said. “Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the congressional representation of states like New York, California, and Illinois.”

“We believe this map best represents Missourians, and I appreciate the support and efforts of state legislators, our congressional delegation, and President Trump in getting this map to my desk,” he added.

Impact on Democratic Representation Raises Concerns

The redrawn districts are projected to boost Missouri’s Republican representation to seven seats in the U.S. House, leaving Democrats with just one. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), a long-serving representative from the Kansas City area, is the most directly impacted by these changes.

The new map divides Kansas City into three separate districts and incorporates more rural, conservative regions into Cleaver’s constituency. This restructuring could make it challenging for him to retain his seat in future elections.

Democrats in the Missouri Legislature, outnumbered in both chambers, were unable to prevent the map’s passage. They have voiced strong opposition, labeling it as an attempt to advance a specific political agenda.

Opposition Mounts with Legal Threats

Critics, including Democrats, have called the redistricting a blatant power grab. They argue it prioritizes Republican interests over fair representation for Missouri voters.

Opponents also contend that the map might violate the Voting Rights Act, and legal challenges are anticipated in the near future. Additionally, there is talk of gathering signatures to place the map on a statewide ballot for a referendum.

DNC Chair Ken Martin sharply criticized the new law, accusing Republicans of undermining democratic principles. “This is a right-wing power grab so Republicans can avoid accountability for voting to take away the health care of hundreds of thousands of Missourians,” Martin stated.

National Context of Redistricting Battles

“But the battle in Missouri isn’t over,” Martin continued. “Missourians have the opportunity to put this craven power grab up for a vote.”

“The DNC supports Missouri organizers collecting ballot signatures to take democracy back into their own hands and defeat these rigged maps once and for all,” he added. This reflects a broader push for public involvement in the redistricting process.

The Missouri redistricting effort is part of a larger national struggle over congressional maps. In states like Texas, Republican-led maps could add several House seats, while in California, a ballot measure might allow Democrats to gain ground, and other states like Ohio, Florida, and Maryland present further opportunities for both parties to adjust representation through mid-decade redistricting.