The Missouri state Senate approved a new congressional map on Friday that is expected to benefit Republican candidates. The bill now heads to Governor Mike Kehoe for his signature. This marks a second victory for Republicans in their efforts to redraw congressional districts in a way that favors their party.

The Missouri House of Representatives passed the map earlier in the week. Governor Kehoe proposed the new map in late August, stating it aimed to better represent the state's residents. If enacted, the map could allow Republicans to secure seven of Missouri's eight congressional seats, while Democrats currently hold two.

Opponents of the map may seek to challenge it by gathering signatures across various congressional districts to force a statewide vote. During the Senate debate, which was ultimately cut short by Republicans using a procedural maneuver, Democrats criticized the map as harmful to voters. They particularly highlighted concerns for residents in Kansas City, which would be divided among multiple districts.

Democratic state Senator Barbara Washington, who represents part of Kansas City, argued that the new map undermines the political influence of Black voters. "You don't like our voice, so you're trying to take it away. You don't like our power, so you're trying to dilute it," she said. Senator Maggie Nurrenbern echoed these sentiments, claiming the map erases Kansas City voters and their values.

Some Republicans also expressed reservations about the map. State Senator Mike Moon announced he would vote against it, citing insufficient time for the Senate to review the bill's provisions. He stated, "It's not because I don't want Republican ideals to win the day, but because I'm not a yes man."

During a committee hearing on Thursday, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver described the map as discriminatory and warned of escalating political tensions. "If you fight fire with fire long enough, all you're going to have left is ashes," he cautioned.

Legal challenges to the congressional map are already underway. Voters from affected districts filed a lawsuit on Friday in Cole County Circuit Court, seeking to have the map declared unconstitutional and to prevent the Secretary of State from implementing the new districts in upcoming elections.