Redistricting in Missouri is closely tied to political maneuvers in other states. Hovis emphasized that Missouri’s response may depend on how Democratic-controlled states like California, Illinois, and New York react to recent redistricting efforts in Republican-led Texas. He noted that gerrymandering is not exclusive to one party, pointing out questionable district shapes in Illinois and the complete lack of Republican congressional seats in Massachusetts despite a sizable vote share.
Hovis highlighted the role of the governor in initiating any redistricting changes, indicating uncertainty about what actions Missouri might take. He acknowledged that while redistricting is a prominent issue, no clear path has been decided. The complexity of the process and political tensions within the state make predictions difficult.
Missouri’s current congressional map was enacted in 2022 after internal disputes among Republicans, who debated whether to create seven Republican-leaning districts. With Democrats threatening to filibuster any redistricting efforts in the Senate, the political landscape for passing a new map appears difficult and contentious.
The primary challenge for Republicans lies in enhancing their electoral advantage without risking their current districts. Hovis warned that shifting district lines, particularly around Kansas City, could inadvertently increase the number of competitive or Democratic-leaning districts, potentially reducing Republican control from 6-2 to 5-3 or even a 4-4 split.
Redistricting is often most closely watched by incumbents, who prefer boundaries that retain familiar voters. According to Bukowsky, these officeholders typically resist changes that might destabilize their electoral base. On the other hand, challengers are more likely to advocate for new maps that introduce favorable demographics to improve their chances of winning.
Overall, Missouri’s redistricting debate reflects broader national tensions, where partisan interests and strategic calculations heavily influence the drawing of congressional districts.
