Missouri Republicans take steps toward redistricting special session

Ty AlbrightAugust 14, 2025

Redistricting Missouri — Missouri state Rep. Doug Richey points out elements of a proposed congressional redistricting map to fellow lawmakers during a House debate on Monday, May 9, 2022, in Jefferson City, Missouri. The state Legislature faces a May 13 deadline to pass a redistricting plan before the end of its session.(AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

(AP) — At President Donald Trump’s urging and partly in response to California’s threats, Missouri’s Republican majority is preparing for a special session on congressional redistricting

A document obtained by The Associated Press shows the state Senate has received a $46,000 invoice for software licenses and staff training for redistricting.

While Republican Gov. Mike hasn’t officially announced a special session, Republican House Majority Leader Alex Riley told the AP it is “pretty likely” to happen. Riley added that he has had discussions with White House staff about it.

Republicans hold six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats. The party could target a Democratic-held district in Kansas City to pick up another seat.

In justifying the redistricting, Missouri Republicans accused neighboring Illinois of rigging their maps and pointed to a draft proposal circulating in California.

Ty AlbrightAugust 14, 2025