KC-area Lawmaker Josh Hurlbert Weighs In as Redistricting Talks Gain Momentum

As Missouri lawmakers prepare for the September veto session, some are wondering if Governor Mike Kehoe will also call a special session to redraw the state’s congressional map. 

Smithville Representative Josh Hurlbert, who represents parts of the Kansas City area, says people are looking to the governor for direction — and he’s ready to respond to whatever decision is made.

Hurlbert told Newstalk KZRG:  “I just want to see Missourians have a good voice in national politics, so as long as we can come up with a map that does that, I will be in favor of it. I voted for it three years ago, so I absolutely…I’m OK with the way we have now. I mean, if there’s a way we can make a map that’s more compact and concise that way, great. There’s a couple of weird quirks in the current map, for sure.”

While Missouri already leans heavily Republican, pressure from President Trump is adding fuel to the redistricting debate — and now, many are watching to see if Governor Kehoe will act during the upcoming veto session.