Missouri just made a bold move to protect fair elections and give voters a stronger voice. On Sunday, Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law the “Missouri First” congressional map, a new redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump. This map is expected to give Republicans another seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, helping keep the House in the hands of those who respect the Constitution and the will of the people.
Redistricting happens every ten years after the census. States redraw their congressional districts to reflect changes in population. But sometimes, if the political balance shifts or courts demand changes, states can redraw maps in between. That’s what just happened in Missouri.
For years, Democrats have used redistricting as a tool to keep power. In places like California, New York, and Illinois, Democrat lawmakers have drawn maps that favor their party, often ignoring the political will of rural and conservative voters. Now, red states like Missouri and Texas are standing up and doing the same—only this time, the goal is not to rig the system, but to restore fairness and give conservative Americans the representation they deserve.
President Trump praised the Missouri map, calling it “FANTASTIC.” And he’s right. The new map takes back a seat long held by Democrat Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents part of Kansas City. By shifting that district east to include more rural, right-leaning voters, the map reflects the true character of Missouri—a state that has moved solidly to the right over the past fifteen years.
This is not about gerrymandering. It’s about correcting years of Democrat-favored maps and making sure every Missourian’s vote counts. The old map gave Democrats too much power in a state where they have little support statewide. With the new map, Republicans are likely to hold a 7-1 advantage in Missouri’s House delegation. That better matches how Missourians actually vote.
But not everyone is happy. Congressman Cleaver threatened a lawsuit, saying this is about “fighting fire with fire.” He’s wrong. This is about restoring balance. When Democrats redraw maps to give themselves the edge, they call it “democracy.” But when Republicans do it, suddenly it’s “unfair.” The truth is, both parties play this game. The difference is, Republicans are finally learning to play by the same rules.
Missouri’s move is part of a larger effort. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott just signed a redistricting law that could create up to five more Republican-leaning districts. Indiana, Florida, South Carolina, and others are considering similar action. These states understand that if we want to keep the House majority in 2026, we must act now.
This is a battle for the future of our republic. Democrats only need to flip three seats to take back control of the House. If they do, they will push for more spending, more federal control, and more attacks on our constitutional freedoms. But with redistricting efforts like Missouri’s, we can hold the line.
Meanwhile, Democrats are fighting back in places like California, where Governor Gavin Newsom wants to sideline the state’s independent redistricting commission and let Democrat politicians draw the maps again. That tells you everything you need to know. When Democrats fear losing power, they change the rules.
The Constitution gives state legislatures the power to set the rules for elections. That includes drawing congressional districts. What Missouri just did is perfectly legal, perfectly fair, and long overdue. Governor Kehoe and President Trump deserve credit for standing strong.
Redistricting is not just about lines on a map. It’s about who speaks for us in Washington. It’s about whether your values are heard or silenced. With the Missouri First map, the people of Missouri just made their voices louder.
And in 2026, that could make all the difference.
