September 4th, 2025 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri is the latest state to take up congressional redistricting, as lawmakers convened in Jefferson City Wednesday afternoon for a special session called by Republican Governor Mike Kehoe.
The legislature is expected to pass a bill that could reshape the political map, potentially giving Republicans an opportunity to win seven of the state’s eight congressional seats in next year’s midterm elections.
Currently, Missouri is represented by six Republicans and two Democrats in Washington. The focus is on the state’s 5th Congressional District, based in the Kansas City area, which has long been a Democratic stronghold. The proposed changes would split the district, making it more favorable for Republicans. In a broader national battle over redistricting, states like Texas and California are also redrawing maps, with Republicans pushing for more competitive seats.
While Missouri’s fight centers on a single district, CBS News Political Reporter Hunter Woodall notes that with the GOP holding only a narrow majority in the U.S. House, even one flipped seat could make a difference.
Critics have denounced the proposal as partisan gerrymandering, saying it would cement a 7–1 Republican advantage in Missouri. President Donald Trump voiced his support for the new map in a recent social media post, urging state lawmakers to move forward.
