The Missouri State Senate has sent a redrawn congressional map and a reform of the citizen initiative process to Governor Michael Kehoe for consideration and approval.
Lawmakers gathered in Jefferson City on Sept. 3 for their second special session of the year.
The session came about when President Trump began urging conservative states to redraw their congressional maps in favor of republican candidates ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. He had an eye on Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver’s district in Kansas City.
Conservatives lawmakers in Missouri have responded with a redrawn map further splitting up the city.
State Senator for District 12 Rusty Black said he was hearing from constituents on both sides of the issue. “But at this point in time," he said, "with what’s going on at the federal level, we need as much conservative representation, I believe, in Washington D.C. as we can [get],” he said. “This map will help us in that direction.”
Overall, Black continued, "my concern is by the time red states and blue states get done with [their maps] there will be no real leader in the opportunity to get more democrats or more republicans."
Both parties, he speculated, will "still virtually be tied and it will be the vote in a year from now that makes the decision [of who controls the house]."
Black also voiced his support for reforms to the citizen initiative process. Senators passed a bill which requires any initiative amending the state constitution to receive a majority vote in all 8 of the state’s congressional districts.
Currently, an amendment passes with a simple majority statewide.
There were protests against both measures in Jefferson City throughout the week, and Black said he has heard concerns from some constituents.
But, he said: “I don’t see it as [being as] terrible as some people think – that we’re trying to take away democracy and all," Black added.
It appears Missouri voters will have the opportunity to weigh in directly. Democrats are forming plans to place both issues on the ballot through the initiative petition process.
