Missouri lawmakers have approved a new congressional voting map for the 2026 midterm elections, responding to former President Donald Trump’s call to secure a Republican majority in Congress. The state Senate passed the redistricting plan with a 21-11 vote, aiming to flip a Democratic-held seat to Republican control. The map now awaits the signature of Republican Governor Mike Kehoe, who introduced the plan last month, describing it as a “Missouri First” map that aligns with the state’s conservative values.
Typically, states redraw congressional districts early in the decade following the national census, which determines the allocation of House seats. However, Missouri’s move comes mid-decade, driven by Trump’s push for Republicans to create more winnable districts. Missouri Republicans argue that the new map, which creates seven Republican-leaning seats and one strongly Democratic district, reflects the state’s political landscape, where Republicans dominate statewide and legislative elections. Currently, Missouri’s congressional delegation consists of six Republicans and two Democrats.
Republican state Senator Rick Brattin, representing the Kansas City suburbs, defended the plan, stating, “The question is, are we actually representing the constituency of Missouri with our congressional delegation? A seven-to-one map does that. Democrats in the state legislature fiercely opposed the changes but could do little to stop or slow their passage because Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers. Democratic state Senator Stephen Webber argued during floor debate on September 12 that Republicans were surrendering their independence and bending to Trump’s will. “We’re no longer the ‘Show Me State,’” he said, referring the state’s motto. “We’re the ‘Yes, sir state.’” Democratic state Senator Barbara Washington of Kansas City called the map a “blatant political attack.” “This erases the voice of our community,” she said, her voice rising with emotion. “Carving up Kansas City and silencing our constituents is terrible.”
On September 10, thousands of activists protested at the state capitol, vowing to collect the 106,000 signatures needed within 90 days to put the measure to a statewide referendum. By September 12, two lawsuits had already been filed to challenge the plan, signaling a contentious legal battle ahead.
Missouri is not alone in redrawing its maps. President Donald Trump has urged Republican-led states, including Texas, Indiana, and Florida, to adopt district plans that favor Republican candidates. Texas approved a similar plan last month to secure five additional Republican-leaning seats. In response, Democratic-led states like California have proposed maps to bolster Democratic representation, with California’s plan awaiting voter approval on November 4, 2025. Illinois and Maryland are also considering redistricting to favor Democrats.
As Missouri’s new map heads to Governor Kehoe’s desk, its fate remains uncertain. Legal challenges and a potential referendum could delay or block its implementation. Meanwhile, the national push for redistricting continues, with both parties vying to reshape congressional districts to their advantage ahead of the 2026 midterms. The outcome of these efforts could significantly influence the balance of power in the US House.
