The GOP has made it abundantly clear that it intends to steal the 2026 midterms. Missouri is the newest crimson state to start redistricting, with the state Home approving a gerrymandered congressional map.
Based on the Missouri Unbiased, the state Home voted 90-65 to approve a brand new congressional map that will take Missouri’s Republican majority within the Home from 6-2 to 7-1. This may be carried out by carving up the district represented by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver and splitting its voters into three Republican-leaning districts. “This is among the ugliest moments I’ve seen and felt in my lifetime,” Cleaver informed CNN. Cleaver intends to problem the brand new map in courtroom.
State Democrats have been vocal of their critique of the brand new map and the state Republicans’ motivations for this sudden redistricting effort. “The Missouri GOP is aiding and abetting the systematic destruction of our democracy by an authoritarian regime led by a geriatric con man who is aware of the one means he can win is to cheat,” Home Minority Chief Ashley Aune, a Kansas Metropolis Democrat, stated through the debate interval.
“This can be a Missouri First map, made in Missouri, for Missouri, as really useful by our governor,” stated state GOP Rep. Dirk Deaton, the invoice’s sponsor. “It higher represents the state of Missouri,” he added.
That final half isn’t true, as Missouri’s redistricting effort lacks the help of the folks. A latest ballot revealed that almost half of Missouri’s voters oppose the redistricting effort, feeling that it’s a waste of time and sources. Dozens of Missouri voters spoke out towards the redistricting effort throughout a public listening to final week, with the frequent critique being that the brand new map places rural and concrete voters with little in frequent in the identical district.
Opponents of the brand new map are contemplating invoking a Missouri legislation that permits voters to vote on new laws by way of a statewide referendum.
Missouri Republicans have a disturbing observe file of disregarding the desire of the folks to realize their very own ideological goals. After the Supreme Courtroom overturned Roe v Wade in 2022, a set off ban on abortion was enacted within the state. A poll initiative to make abortion a proper enshrined in Missouri’s state structure succeeded final yr, making Missouri the primary state the place voters repealed an outright abortion ban.
So, after all, the Missouri Home additionally handed laws making it tougher for comparable poll initiatives sooner or later. Underneath the brand new laws, poll initiatives that change the state structure should get hold of a easy statewide majority in addition to a majority in all eight congressional districts to cross. Underneath this variation, it could solely take 5% of Missouri voters to oppose a poll initiative to squash it out proper.
Missouri Republicans have clearly rejected the notion that they work for the desire of the folks and appear to consider they’re entitled to their energy.
Missouri’s redistricting effort is simply the newest transfer by the GOP to rig the 2026 midterms of their favor. This all started in July when President Donald Trump requested Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to contemplate drawing a brand new congressional map. Republicans maintain a slender majority within the Home, with Democrats solely needing a web acquire of three seats to flip management subsequent yr. Trump’s approval scores are underwater, with voters notably unenthused together with his dealing with of the economic system, so it tracks that he would attempt to cheat to win.
Gov. Abbott used the devastating Kerr County floods to announce a particular legislative session the place redistricting, not flood aid, can be the precedence. The Texas legislature revealed a brand new map that provides 5 seats in districts Trump gained by double digits through the 2024 election. Texas Democrats put up a combat by filibustering and leaving the state to disclaim quorum, which resulted in state Rep. Nicole Collier being held as a political prisoner within the state Home after refusing police surveillance upon her return to the state. Gov. Abbott known as a second particular session, the place the map ultimately handed.
The strikes in Texas finally set off a nationwide redistricting battle. Ohio is at present redrawing its electoral maps to stick to a state legislation, and Florida has fashioned a fee to start drawing a brand new electoral map.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the Election Rigging Response Act to counter the beneficial properties made within the Texas map. California will maintain a particular election on Nov. 4, the place voters will determine whether or not management of the state’s congressional maps will proceed to relaxation with an unbiased redistricting committee or shall be managed by the state legislature till 2030.
Missouri’s map will now go to the state Senate, the place it’s anticipated to cross in a vote later this week.
SEE ALSO:
Critics Name Texas Governor’s New Congressional Map Gerrymandering
Texas Home Approves New Electoral Map Creating 5 Republican Home Seats
Eric Holder Strategizes In opposition to Gerrymandering With Home Democrats
