Trump-backed map victory in Missouri could trigger redistricting battles in these states
It’s mission accomplished for Republicans in a second state they control in the political battle over congressional redistricting, pitting President Donald Trump and the GOP against the Democrats.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe last weekend signed into law a new congressional map that is likely to give Republicans an additional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
Missouri, a one-time swing state that has shifted to the right over the past decade and a half, is the latest battleground in the congressional redistricting process after the passage of new maps in Texas and a redistricting push by Democrats in California.
With Democrats currently needing just a three-seat pickup in next year’s midterms to win back the House majority, each seat could be critical.
Republican governor signs new congressional map
“I was proud to officially sign the Missouri First Map into law today ahead of the 2026 midterm election,” Kehoe said in a statement. “We believe this map best represents Missourians, and I appreciate the support and efforts of state legislators and our congressional delegation in getting this map to my desk.”
Trump, in a social media statement following passage in the GOP-dominated state legislature last month, said the new map “will help send an additional Republican to Congress in the 2026 Midterm Elections.”
Republicans currently control six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats.
Democrats are planning legal challenges, and opponents are gathering petition signatures to force a statewide referendum on the redistricting law.
Redistricting in Texas
Kehoe announced Missouri’s special legislative session to pass the new map as Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas signed into law a redistricting bill passed by the Republican supermajority in the state legislature that aims to create additional right-leaning congressional districts.
The moves in Missouri and Texas are part of an effort by the GOP to strengthen its House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Democratic redistricting effort in California
California state lawmakers approved a special ballot proposition this November to temporarily return the power to draw congressional maps to the Democrat-dominated legislature.
The effort aims to create additional Democratic-leaning congressional districts and is being led by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Other states to watch
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Ohio: State lawmakers missed a deadline to approve a new bipartisan map. The Republican-dominated redistricting commission now has until the end of the month to complete a new map. Republicans currently hold ten of 15 U.S. House seats.
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Indiana: Lawmakers could meet in a special session later this year to consider redistricting. Vice President JD Vance and Indiana GOP leaders have discussed the matter with state legislators. Republican Gov. Mike Braun said lawmakers should lead the process.
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Florida: Republican leaders are considering a new map. Gov. Ron DeSantis this summer said mid-decade redistricting is under discussion. A select panel in the legislature could meet next month.
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Maryland: Democrats are weighing a redistricting push. A bill would allow the state to undergo mid-decade redistricting if another state passes new maps. Democrats hold seven of eight House seats.
Other states considering altering maps include Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, and Utah. In Utah, a judge recently ordered the GOP-controlled legislature to draw new maps after lawmakers ignored an independent commission approved by voters.
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