KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One political party’s redistricting plans are another party’s concern over representation.
Missouri’s Black Caucus, a political group with strong Democratic ties, is taking a stand against proposed new maps for Missouri’s congressional districts. That group of political notables contends redistricting is unfair, informing a Friday afternoon gathering in East Kansas City of their opposition to a special session to consider these proposals.
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State Representative Michael Johnson (D-Kansas City) dismissed redistricting proposals as a power-grab of sorts, since new district maps were approved only three years ago. Those maps are typically updated every 10 years.
Rep. Johnson and others said they believe this plan is driven by President Trump in an effort to ramp up for midterm elections, when Republicans hope to gain seats in the House. Rep. Johnson and others praised the words of U.S. Rep Emmanuel Cleaver III, and condemned GOP efforts to take away his seat.
“To revisit those lines now in 2025,” Rep. Johnson said.
“It’s not about improving representation. It’s about political desperation.”
On Friday, FOX4 News reached out to the Missouri Republican Party for a comment, but no one replied to our email.
A spokesperson for Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said the governor hasn’t made firm plans for a special session, but the governor prioritizes properly representing Missourians.
“We’re deeply opposed to it, especially here in the Kansas City region,” State Rep. Mark A. Sharp said.
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State Rep. Sharp (D-Kansas City) points out that lawmakers just held one special legislative session geared toward stadium funding for the Chiefs and Royals.
“This is something, I think, that goes against Missouri values. This is something we should not be doing in a special session, considering how partisan that it is,” State Rep. Sharp said.
Other states like Texas and California also find themselves embroiled in ongoing redistricting battles. State Rep Sharp says this is also unfair since strong GOP districts like southern Missouri aren’t being challenged, but Democratic areas, like this one, are at stake.
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