1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recently approved legislation by the Missouri House committee to redraw our state's congressional districts. This proposal, which would split Kansas City into three different districts, is a clear example of partisan gerrymandering that undermines the fundamental principles of fair representation and democracy. The proposed map, which would likely result in Republicans holding 7 out of Missouri's 8 congressional seats, is a blatant attempt to manipulate district boundaries for political gain. This move is particularly concerning as it comes after President Donald Trump's instruction to GOP-controlled states to redraw maps to add more Republican seats. Such partisan motivations have no place in the redistricting process. This redistricting effort is highly unusual, as it's happening mid-decade - a practice that hasn't occurred in Missouri for 60 years. The use of a special session called by Governor Mike Kehoe to push through these changes raises serious questions about the urgency and necessity of this redistricting. Furthermore, the proposed map faces significant legal challenges. The Missouri NAACP has already filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the special session. Critics rightly argue that the map violates the 'one person, one vote' principle by using outdated census data and fails to keep communities of interest together, particularly in the case of Kansas City's current 5th Congressional District, represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. I urge you to reject this partisan redistricting plan and instead support a fair, transparent, and non-partisan approach to redrawing our congressional districts. The integrity of our democratic process and the fair representation of all Missourians must take precedence over short-term political gains. As your constituent, I ask that you stand against this gerrymandering attempt and work towards a map that truly represents the diverse interests and communities of our state.