Missouri Voters Fight Back Against Gerrymandering: A Call for Change | TNNEWS

Massive Protests Erupt Over Missouri’s Redistricting Plans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Recently, Leann Villaluz has been actively canvassing neighborhoods in Kansas City, urging residents to sign a petition that could allow voters to decide on the state’s controversial new congressional map.

“There’s a growing frustration, even among those who aren’t typically politically active,” Villaluz explains. “We have to step in where our elected officials have failed, as they seem to believe we can’t make decisions for ourselves.”

Redistricting Sparks Nationwide Debate

Missouri, alongside Texas, has become a focal point in the national redistricting debate initiated by former President Donald Trump. This move aims to secure Republican dominance in the upcoming 2026 midterms.

States like North Carolina, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kansas might soon follow suit. Meanwhile, California is countering by proposing a Democrat-favored redistricting plan, pending voter approval.

Governor’s Approval and Political Implications

Governor Mike Kehoe recently endorsed the new map, which could jeopardize the seat of Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II in Kansas City. The current congressional delegation includes six Republicans and two Democrats.

Villaluz, along with 3,000 volunteers from People Not Politicians Missouri, is striving to overturn the map. They need over 106,000 signatures by December 11 to place a referendum on the 2026 ballot.

Having already collected more than 100,000 signatures, the group is optimistic. If successful, the map’s implementation will be delayed until voters have their say.

Legal Challenges and Political Pushback

Despite their efforts, the group faces opposition from state officials. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a lawsuit claiming the referendum is unconstitutional.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins initially rejected the petition but later approved it, stating that signatures collected before his approval are invalid.

Richard von Glahn, the group’s executive director, accuses Hoskins of spreading misinformation, asserting that their actions are constitutionally sound.

“Our campaign is unprecedented in its speed and unity,” von Glahn states. “We won’t be deterred. Missourians will decide their representation.”

The Democratic National Committee has joined the cause, providing additional resources and support. Numerous lawsuits have also been filed against the new districts.

Legal and Community Efforts

Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan, a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the map, argues that redistricting without a new census is unconstitutional.

“This map dilutes my voting power,” she says. “It undermines representation and the issues I care about.”

Amezcua-Hogan, running for Kansas City Council, is also collecting signatures for the referendum, emphasizing the challenges the city faces in securing federal resources.

Political Divisions and Future Prospects

The Republican-led Missouri Legislature swiftly passed the new map. Michael Davis, a proponent, believes it reflects the voters’ trust in Republican leadership.

“We need to send a strong conservative message to Washington,” Davis asserts.

However, some Republicans, including House Speaker Jon Patterson, opposed the map, citing concerns over its impact on their districts.

State Rep. Bill Allen, representing a politically balanced area, criticizes the mid-decade redistricting, emphasizing his duty to represent his constituents, not party interests.

Villaluz remains committed to gathering signatures, confident that Missouri voters will ultimately have the final say.

“Missouri isn’t a testing ground for political experiments,” Villaluz insists. “Voters here are more astute than they’re given credit for.”