CLAYTON, Mo. - Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Shaw Park in Clayton on Labor Day to protest Missouri’s upcoming special legislative session, where lawmakers are set to consider redrawing the state’s congressional districts.

The protest, marked by chants and signs critical of several Republican-led policies, centered on concerns over a new redistricting map proposed by Gov. Mike Kehoe (R-Missouri).

The special session begins Wednesday in Jefferson City.

Among the speakers was Dan Simon, a member of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 96.

“When our democracy is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back,” Simon said to the crowd.

The proposed congressional map would make significant changes to Missouri’s 5th District near Kansas City. Critics argue the changes are politically motivated and could shift the district from Democratic to Republican control.

“I am devastated that we are getting closer and closer to our democracy being rigged so that working people can never win,” said Romanda Watkins, a nursing home employee who attended the protest.

Missouri’s current congressional map was drawn just a few years ago using the latest census data. Kehoe argues his proposed changes better reflect Missouri’s political landscape.

“Republicans hold over 90% of local county offices and have held every statewide seat,” Kehoe said. 

Democrats, however, are pushing back. State Senator Doug Beck (D-St. Louis County) called the new proposal a "continuation of partisan gerrymandering."

“Don’t kid yourself, folks. The maps are already gerrymandered to be 6-2,” Beck said, referencing Missouri’s current six Republican and two Democratic congressional seats. “They should be 5-3 maps. They’re already gerrymandered. They’re going to try to gerrymander them even further.”

As the special session approaches, some protesters said they plan to head to Jefferson City next.

“This splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current version while preserving two congressional districts as they currently stand,” Kehoe said.

The Missouri legislature will convene Wednesday to begin deliberations on the proposed map.