Missouri GOP Calls Special Session for Redistricting Amid Trump Pressure

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has called a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional maps in a move strongly encouraged by President Donald Trump to strengthen Republican chances in the 2026 midterm elections. The proposed redistricting plan, dubbed the 'Missouri First Map,' aims to reshape Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver's Fifth District to include more suburban and rural areas that lean Republican, potentially flipping the seat. Trump has publicly praised Missouri's decision and is pressuring other GOP-controlled states like Indiana and Ohio to follow suit, while Democrats express concern over mid-decade redistricting leading to partisan gerrymandering and reduced representation. Kehoe is also pushing for reforms to the state's initiative petition process, which opponents see as an attack on direct democracy following recent liberal ballot measures. Democrats, led by Cleaver, vow to legally challenge the redistricting effort, which has raised fears of ongoing, frequent map changes that could undermine fair representation. The broader campaign reflects a coordinated effort by Trump and GOP lawmakers to maintain control of the U.S. House by manipulating district boundaries in key states.