Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a new U.S. House map into law on Sunday, hoping to strengthen Republican chances in next year’s elections. The plan could help the party win one more congressional seat, which matters since they hold only a narrow majority.
However, the decision has sparked strong resistance. Opponents argue the plan is gerrymandering—redrawing districts to favor one party. They are now gathering signatures to force a statewide vote. By December 11, they must submit about 110,000 valid signatures. If they succeed, the new map will stay on hold until voters decide.
Currently, Republicans control six of Missouri’s eight House seats. The new map reshapes Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City district. It reduces minority voters and stretches the district into conservative rural areas. Cleaver, who has represented the area for 20 years, denounced the change. He also criticized the use of Troost Avenue, a historic racial dividing line, as part of the boundary.
Meanwhile, several lawsuits challenge the map. The NAACP, the ACLU, and local voters claim it breaks Missouri’s constitutional rules. Despite this, Kehoe defends the plan, saying it reflects Missouri’s conservative values.
This dispute highlights a bigger national trend, as both parties push for maps that secure political advantage after the 2020 census.
