Missouri's New Congressional Map Signed by Gov. Kehoe for 2026 Election

Governor Kehoe Finalizes Missouri First Map for Congressional Redistricting

On September 28, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 1 into law, establishing new congressional district boundaries for the state ahead of the 2026 midterm election. This legislation, known as the Missouri First Map, aims to reshape the state's representation in the U.S. House, potentially shifting the balance to favor Republican candidates. The bill was sponsored by state Representative Dirk Deaton and Senator Rusty Black, both dedicated to ensuring the map reflects the interests of Missourians.

Governor Kehoe expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, 'I was proud to officially sign the Missouri First Map into law today ahead of the 2026 midterm election.' He further acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind the legislation, adding, 'We believe this map best represents Missourians, and I appreciate the support and efforts of state legislators, our congressional delegation, and President Trump in getting this map to my desk.' This move is seen as a strategic step to strengthen Republican representation in Congress.

Impact on Missouri's Congressional Landscape

The newly signed map is expected to alter Missouri's current congressional distribution, which stands at six Republican and two Democratic seats. Under the Missouri First Map, projections suggest a potential shift to seven Republican seats and one Democratic seat, notably affecting the Fifth Congressional District, which will be divided into three districts. This redistricting targets areas like the Kansas City region, currently represented by Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver, potentially making it more competitive for Republican candidates.

The decision to redraw the maps stems from a special legislative session called by Governor Kehoe on September 3, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing representation ahead of the critical 2026 midterms. The administration views this as a necessary adjustment to ensure fairer representation aligned with the state's political demographics, supported by President Donald J. Trump, who has endorsed the redistricting efforts as a means to maintain a strong Republican presence in Congress.

Legal Challenges and Future Implications

Despite the signing of the bill, the Missouri First Map faces several legal challenges, with allegations of gerrymandering being raised in multiple lawsuits. Governor Kehoe, speaking at an event in Columbia, expressed confidence in the legal standing of the special session and the redistricting process, stating, 'Let the courts decide.' With three pending lawsuits, the resolution of these challenges will be crucial in determining whether the new map will stand for the upcoming election cycle.

The redistricting effort is part of a broader strategy under President Trump's guidance to secure Republican majorities in key states. Missouri's action follows similar moves in other states, reflecting a coordinated push to optimize congressional maps for the 2026 midterms. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring that the map serves the interests of Missouri's citizens while navigating the complexities of electoral law and fairness in representation.