KANSAS CITY, Mo. — New congressional districts are one step closer to reality after the Missouri House of Representatives passed HB1 early Tuesday afternoon.
The bill, which passed by a 90-65 margin, now goes to the Missouri Senate for debate.
House members gave the redistricting bill initial approval in an 89-63 vote on Monday.
Gov. Mike Kehoe called an extraordinary, or special, session of the legislature last month to pass both proposals.
Republicans across the country have taken up redistricting as a way to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats believe the newly proposed congressional map is designed to make it easier for a Republican to beat U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat from Jackson County, in the 2026 election.
“What Missourians need right now is leadership that is focused on their needs, not taking away their rights,” Russ Carnahan, chair of the Missouri Democratic Party, said in a statement. “It is shameful that politicians in Jefferson City are using this session to attack their constituents instead of doing things that actually matter: fighting rising prices, reducing energy costs, and helping everyday Missourians make ends meet.”
The proposed map splits Kansas City into three congressional districts, instead of the two in which it currently sits.
KSHB 41 News anchor Kevin Holmes got with Cleaver over video conference on Tuesday, moments after the House finished the vote. Watch Kevin's interview in the video player below.
“Splitting Kansas City to three different districts would be devastating to the region,” said State Rep. Ashley Aune, House Minority Leader, a Democrat from Kansas City’s Northland. “That is not a partisan comment, that is not a Democrat comment. Ask Republicans in Kansas City, they don’t want it either.”
A spokesperson for Rep. Mark Alford (R-4th District) said he does not have an updated statement, as he has been in Appropriations Committee meetings all day. Previously, he said no matter "where district lines may fall, we will continue to advance the America First agenda, while providing top notch service to ALL constituents no matter their political affiliations."
It is an honor to represent the constituents of the fourth district of the great state of Missouri. Regardless of where district lines may fall, we will continue to advance the America First agenda, while providing top notch service to ALL constituents no matter their political…
— Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) August 30, 2025
This is a developing story and will be updated.
—
