Hailey
A political storm may soon hit Missouri as redistricting debates heat up across the U.S. Just like the high-profile battle happening in Texas, Missouri’s 5th Congressional District could become the next major target.
This article will explain everything you need to know about what’s going on, why Missouri is in the spotlight, who is involved, and what could happen next.
What Is Redistricting and Why It Matters
Redistricting is when political district boundaries are redrawn, often after a census. It determines which voters are in which districts and who represents them in Congress. It can change political power, giving one party an advantage over another.
Spotlight on Missouri’s 5th Congressional District
The focus is now on Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, who has served Missouri’s 5th District since 2005. This district includes Kansas City and nearby areas. It’s known for being diverse and usually votes Democrat.
But that might change.
Some Republicans believe they can redraw this district to give themselves a better chance at winning. They think that by moving certain voters into or out of the district, they could flip it to Republican control.
Missouri’s Political Makeup
Right now, Missouri’s congressional seats are mostly Republican:
| Party | Number of Representatives |
|---|---|
| Republican (GOP) | 6 |
| Democrat | 2 |
Cleaver’s district is one of the two held by Democrats.
Governor Mike Kehoe Supports Redistricting
Missouri’s Governor Mike Kehoe has expressed support for redistricting. He said his team is watching what’s happening in Texas and is discussing a similar move for Missouri.
His office released a statement saying:
“Governor Kehoe and his team are aware of the redistricting efforts in Texas… Discussions are always being held to ensure that conservative Missouri values are represented in Washington.”
Emanuel Cleaver Responds Strongly
But Cleaver isn’t backing down. He grew up in public housing and says he’s used to facing tough situations.
“I don’t lay down quite well… it’s kind of difficult for somebody to run over me with the assumption that I’m going to lay down and play road for them,” Cleaver said.
He believes his district is unique — a mix of urban and rural voters, with many races and cultures living together. That mix could make redistricting difficult and unfair.
Why This Isn’t New
Political expert Dave Helling, who has followed Missouri politics for 40 years, says this isn’t the first time Cleaver’s district has been targeted.
“Emanuel Cleaver is relatively popular even with some moderate Republicans,” Helling said. “He won comfortably last time and hasn’t faced serious competition.”
Will It Happen This Time?
It’s still unclear if this redistricting will happen. A lot depends on what’s happening in Texas. If redistricting efforts succeed there, Missouri may follow.
But Helling warns that even if the effort goes ahead, it might not be worth it. Changing one seat in Missouri or even a few in Texas may not shift national power in Congress. Midterm elections often result in 20-seat swings anyway.
Republicans Weigh In
Several top Republicans in Missouri are aware of the issue.
State Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin said:
“There’s been speculation about a potential special session on redistricting, but no decision has been made… My priority is ensuring Missouri’s representation in Washington reflects the values of our conservative majority.”
She also warned against national Democrats gaining more control and mentioned that if the Governor calls a session, the Senate is ready.
A National Political Game
This fight isn’t just local. If red states like Missouri and Texas redraw maps to favor Republicans, blue states like California and New York could do the same for Democrats. It’s turning into a nationwide tug-of-war.
What Happens Next?
So, will Missouri go forward with redistricting?
Helling says he’s not sure. With Donald Trump still holding big influence in the Republican Party, anything is possible. But right now, Helling doesn’t think Missouri will move ahead just yet.
Missouri’s 5th District may soon become the center of a major political battle. Redistricting has the power to change the outcome of elections and shift control of Congress.
While Emanuel Cleaver remains confident and ready to fight, Republicans in Missouri are exploring ways to redraw the maps in their favor.
If the situation escalates, Missouri could follow Texas into the national spotlight, sparking more state-to-state political fights. As the next few weeks unfold, all eyes will be on Jefferson City and Governor Kehoe’s next move.