Gov. Kehoe signs Missouri's new congressional map into law
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's new congressional map became law today as Governor Mike Kehoe signed it during a closed event.
The map specifically targets the 5th Congressional District in Kansas City, currently held by Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver, by incorporating more rural, heavily Republican areas.
The redistricting was approved by the Republican-led legislature in a special session called by the governor.
“Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the congressional representation of states like New York, California, and Illinois. 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," states Gov. Kehoe.
The map's implementation remains uncertain due to ongoing legal and political battles, including challenges to the balance of power in Congress. There is also a referendum effort underway to put the map before voters.
DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement after Gov. Kehoe signed the bill:
“At the order of Donald Trump, Governor Kehoe and Missouri Republicans have shown they care more about holding onto power at all costs than the fundamental rights of the Missourians they were elected to represent. This is a right-wing power grab so Republicans can avoid accountability for voting to take away the health care of hundreds of thousands of Missourians. But the battle in Missouri isn’t over. Missourians have the opportunity to put this craven power grab up for a vote. The DNC supports Missouri organizers collecting ballot signatures to take democracy back into their own hands and defeat these rigged maps once and for all.”
The changes to Missouri's congressional map could significantly alter the political landscape, but legal and political hurdles may still impact its final implementation.
