Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Missouri will likely install a new redistricting map this week in an effort to secure Republican control over the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections.
The state has eight House seats, two of which -- in Kansas City and St. Louis -- are held by Democrats. The proposed map moves the Kansas City district into a largely rural district and would likely eliminate any chance for a Democrat to represent the city. The redistricting comes in a special session called by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe.
"If we sanction this midcycle redraw, we will be joining the long and shameful line of the states that have used legal language to silence voters rather than to protect them," said State Rep. Kem Smith, a Democrat from the St. Louis area, the New York Times reported.
The Kansas City district has been held by Democrat Emmanuel Cleaver for 20 years. Cleaver was the first Black mayor of the city and held that office for eight years before winning his House seat in 2005.
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