Missouri, Texas Pass GOP Redistricting Ahead 2026 Midterms

The Missouri Senate approved a new congressional map that is expected to favor Republicans by adding a safe GOP district, particularly by redrawing heavily Democratic areas in Kansas City to become Republican-leaning. Dubbed the "Missouri FIRST Map" by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who is expected to sign it into law, the plan shifts Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver's district to include more rural and Republican voters, reducing the influence of Black and minority voters. Democrats and residents have strongly opposed the map, citing it as a gerrymander designed to rig the 2026 election, and have filed a lawsuit arguing that mid-decade redistricting violates the Missouri Constitution. Despite thousands of protests and no voter support during hearings, the GOP pushed the map through quickly, with criticism that it was done under pressure from President Trump and federal instructions. In addition to the congressional map, the Missouri legislature also passed a bill to restrict the ballot initiative process, making it harder for citizens to use direct democracy. Voting rights advocates and Democrats plan to challenge both measures in court and through the referendum process, emphasizing ongoing resistance to what they view as partisan manipulation.