Thousands gathered at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on September 10, 2025, to oppose the GOP-led effort to redistricting/” title=”Mormon Women for Ethical Government Take a Stand on Re…ing Reform: NPR”>redraw congressional districts and alter the initiative petition process.
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Brian Munoz/St. Louis Public Radio
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On any typical day, Leann Villaluz can be found canvassing neighborhoods in Kansas City, urging residents to sign a petition that would empower voters to decide on Missouri’s recently enacted congressional district map.
“There’s a growing frustration, even among casual voters,” Villaluz explains. “We’re stepping up because those elected to represent us have neglected their fundamental responsibility to honor the electorate’s wishes. Instead, they assume we don’t know what’s best for ourselves.”
Missouri has become the second state, alongside Texas, to implement a gerrymandered congressional map following former President Donald Trump’s July initiative to reshape districts nationwide, aiming to secure Republican dominance in the 2026 midterm elections.
States such as North Carolina, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kansas may soon adopt similar strategies. Meanwhile, California is attempting to counteract this Republican maneuver by proposing a constitutional amendment next month that would redraw districts favoring Democrats.
Governor Mike Kehoe, a Republican, approved Missouri’s new district map late last month. Previously, Missouri’s congressional delegation consisted of six Republicans and two Democrats, but the new boundaries specifically target Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver II’s seat in Kansas City.
Leann Villaluz has spent weeks going door-to-door gathering signatures to challenge Missouri’s new congressional district map. She notes that most residents she encounters are eager to sign.
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Alongside roughly 3,000 volunteers, Villaluz is part of People Not Politicians Missouri, an organization striving to overturn the state’s new congressional boundaries. If they collect over 106,000 valid signatures by December 11, the issue will be placed on the 2026 ballot, allowing voters to accept or reject the map.
The group reports having already secured more than 100,000 signatures and continues to gather more. Should they meet the threshold, the referendum would delay the map’s implementation until voters have their say.
Villaluz shares that nearly everyone she has approached has been enthusiastic about signing. She has canvassed five Kansas City neighborhoods, which the new map would divide into three Republican-leaning districts. She even brought the petition to a recent Chappell Roan concert to reach more supporters.
“Almost everyone who stops to learn about the petition is ready to sign,” Villaluz says. “Regardless of political affiliation, the new map dilutes every vote, and no one wants that.”
State Officials Push Back
People Not Politicians Missouri faces not only the challenge of collecting signatures but also resistance from key state election authorities. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that a referendum on redistricting violates both the U.S. and Missouri constitutions.
Although Secretary of State Denny Hoskins recently approved the referendum petition, he initially rejected it and now asserts that signatures collected before his approval are invalid.
“The process is straightforward,” Hoskins stated. “Missourians deserve assurance that ballot measures comply with the law-not influenced by external agendas or misleading campaigns. Our state values fairness and integrity, and this process upholds those principles.”
Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians Missouri, countered by accusing Hoskins of “intentionally spreading falsehoods for political gain.” He emphasized that the state constitution permits signature collection prior to the secretary of state’s approval.
People Not Politicians Missouri is actively gathering signatures to contest the new congressional map. Due to uncertainty about district assignments under the new plan, signers leave the congressional district field blank on the petition.
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“Our signature collection has been unprecedented-I’ve never witnessed Missourians mobilize so rapidly,” von Glahn declared. “We won’t be deterred or distracted. This referendum will qualify, and it will be Missourians-not politicians-who determine the future of fair representation in our state.”
The Democratic National Committee has also joined the effort, providing additional personnel and funding. Numerous lawsuits have been filed challenging the legality of the new districts.
Legal Challenges Mount
Among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit aiming to block the use of the new map for upcoming elections is Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan. The suit argues that redistricting mid-decade without a new census is unconstitutional.
“My voting influence would be diminished,” Amezcua-Hogan explains. “I would feel unrepresented, especially on issues I’ve passionately advocated for over the years. It would be deeply disheartening.”
Amezcua-Hogan, a progressive candidate for Kansas City Council, notes that the area she hopes to serve would be fragmented into three separate congressional districts if the new map stands. While campaigning, she also collects signatures for the referendum.
“Kansas City already struggles to secure federal funding for affordable housing, mental health services, and transportation,” she says. “Dividing the city further will only exacerbate these challenges.”
Widespread Opposition Except Among Some Republicans
Missouri legislators convened for a special session at the State Capitol in Jefferson City on September 8, 2025.
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The Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature swiftly approved the new congressional map during a special session.
Michael Davis, a legislator representing a Kansas City suburb and a member of the state’s Freedom Caucus, was a vocal supporter of the redistricting plan. This caucus seeks to steer the Republican Party further right.
Davis asserts that voters entrusted Republicans with redistricting because they believe the party will act in their best interests.
“We need to send a conservative message to Washington,” Davis states. “The most effective way is by electing seven Republicans who will ensure the GOP retains control of the U.S. House.”
However, 15 Republicans, including Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, opposed the map. Most dissenters represent districts affected by the redrawing or areas reassigned to new districts.
Republican Representative Bill Allen, whose district in Kansas City’s northland is politically balanced, opposes mid-decade redistricting. He expressed disappointment that Missouri followed Texas and Trump’s lead.
“Only a couple of constituents supported the map; nearly all opposed it,” Allen says. “A representative’s duty is to serve their district, not the party or president. I represent 39,000 people, and their will is my responsibility.”
Villaluz intends to continue collecting signatures over the coming two months until it’s clear whether the referendum will qualify to challenge Missouri’s gerrymandered map.
“Missouri is being treated like a testing ground by the GOP,” Villaluz remarks. “They underestimate the intelligence of average voters here and believe they can push through more in a red state, but that’s not true.”
She remains confident that Missouri voters will ultimately have the final say.
