Missouri Senate Approves GOP Congressional Map Adding House Seat

Missouri Republicans, with support from President Donald Trump, have passed a mid-decade redistricting plan expected to add a Republican seat to the state's U.S. House delegation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The new map notably targets Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City district, dividing it and incorporating more Republican-leaning areas, which critics say dilutes Black voters’ influence and undermines fair representation. Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe is anticipated to sign the map into law, although opponents have launched legal challenges and a referendum petition to potentially force a statewide vote on the issue. Missouri follows Texas in redrawing districts mid-cycle to benefit Republicans, while Democrats in states like California are pushing back with their own map redraws to maintain or increase their representation. The battle over congressional maps is seen as crucial, as Democrats need only a few seats to regain control of the House and potentially obstruct President Trump’s agenda. The contentious redistricting reflects a nationwide partisan struggle, with both parties seeking to influence the balance of power before the 2026 elections.