Missouri Republicans Plan Mid-Decade Redistricting Targeting Black Lawmaker

Missouri lawmakers have convened a special session to redraw the state's U.S. House districts as part of President Donald Trump's strategy to enhance Republican control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. The proposed redistricting plan targets the seat of Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver by splitting his Kansas City-based district and expanding it into rural, predominantly Republican areas, potentially diluting Democratic voting strength and favoring Trump by 18 points. This mid-decade redistricting effort in Missouri follows similar moves in Texas, also driven by Trump, and contrasts with Democratic-led California's plan aimed at increasing Democratic seats. Democrats in Missouri strongly oppose the plan, arguing it is an unconstitutional gerrymander that undermines democracy and voter representation. Republican leaders justify the redistricting as aligning Missouri's representation with its conservative majority, signaling a broader national trend of partisan mid-decade map changes ahead of the elections. The battle over Missouri's congressional map reflects heightened partisan tensions and the ongoing struggle over electoral control influenced directly by President Trump's directives.