Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has announced a special session for state lawmakers to consider redrawing the state's congressional district boundaries. The session is set to begin at noon on September 3. This move comes amid a national trend where Republican-led states are seeking to gain an advantage in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

Kehoe's announcement follows a similar action in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a new congressional map aimed at helping Republicans secure additional seats. The push for redistricting in Missouri is part of a broader strategy encouraged by former President Donald Trump, who has urged Republican states to reshape district lines to bolster their chances in Congress.

In his statement, Kehoe emphasized the need for a map that reflects Missouri's conservative values. He stated, "This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed initiative petition reform."

The proposed map specifically targets the district of Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver, stretching it into more rural, Republican-leaning areas. This change could significantly impact the political landscape in Missouri, which currently has six Republican and two Democratic representatives in the U.S. House.

Kehoe's agenda also includes a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at making it more difficult to approve citizen-initiated ballot measures, such as those related to abortion rights and marijuana legalization. He framed these initiatives as necessary to protect Missouri's conservative values from liberal influences.

Democrats have reacted strongly against the proposed redistricting. House Minority Leader Ashley Aune criticized Kehoe, calling him a "Trump puppet" and accusing him of attempting to "steal a congressional seat for Republicans." She described the redistricting effort as a significant threat to the integrity of state governance.

Cleaver also condemned the redistricting plan, stating, "This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines; it will silence voices. It will deny representation." He vowed to fight against the changes and not concede his seat.

The special session comes at a time when other states, including Florida and Indiana, are also considering redistricting efforts. In contrast, Democratic-led states like California are pursuing measures to counteract Republican advantages in congressional representation.

Missouri's legislative landscape is such that Democrats have limited power to block the proposed changes. Unlike Texas, where Democrats successfully delayed a vote by leaving the state, Missouri Democrats cannot prevent a quorum. Although they could attempt a filibuster in the Senate, Republicans have previously used procedural tactics to overcome such efforts.

The outcome of this special session could have lasting implications for Missouri's political representation and the balance of power in Congress as the 2026 elections approach.