"When I first read about how Texas Republicans were preparing to engage in mid-decade redistricting, I sent a text message to a Republican aide in state government, jokingly wondering if Missouri would get in on the fun. It's no secret that my interest in Missouri redistricting borders on obsession. Some of my love for the subject stems from its importance. The lines and where they are drawn can determine which party has a better shot at winning any given district."
"Missouri ended up becoming the second GOP-led state behind Texas to redraw congressional lines at the behest of President Trump. And Missouri Republicans were upfront about their rationale: They wanted to oust Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City to help prevent Republicans from losing control of the U.S. House in 2026. And Missouri Republicans didn't just pass a new map: They broke all sorts of legislative norms and precedents to push it to Gov. Mike Kehoe's desk."
Texas Republicans initiated mid-decade redistricting, and Missouri followed in 2025, redrawing congressional lines at President Trump's behest. The stated objective in Missouri was to oust Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City to reduce the risk of Republicans losing control of the U.S. House in 2026. Lawmakers expedited passage of a new map and departed from established legislative norms and precedents to send it to Gov. Mike Kehoe. Opponents have filed multiple lawsuits, including a core challenge over whether mid-decade congressional redistricting is legally permissible. The Missouri Supreme Court is expected to decide next year.
Read at www.npr.org
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