DNC Supports Missouri Referendum To Block GOP Congressional Map

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a new congressional map into law designed to favor Republicans and potentially flip a Democratic-held seat, a move supported by President Donald Trump. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is actively opposing the map by funding and staffing a petition drive to force a statewide referendum, aiming to delay the map's implementation until after voters can approve or reject it. The DNC has mobilized a large volunteer network and financial resources to help collect the required signatures to qualify the referendum for the ballot. Democrats criticize the map as a partisan gerrymander benefiting Trump and Republicans, accusing them of trying to "cheat" voters and evade accountability, especially in light of recent legislation they call "Trump’s Big Ugly Bill" impacting healthcare in Missouri. The effort faces legal challenges and administrative hurdles, including pushback from Missouri's Secretary of State, but the push for a referendum remains a key strategy to contest the new boundaries ahead of the 2026 midterms. Missouri's redistricting fight is part of broader national tensions over gerrymandering and electoral control ahead of upcoming elections.