I am writing as your constituent to urge you to reject gerrymandering in all forms, in all states, regardless of who may benefit politically. Gerrymandering hurts everyone.
When politicians draw or manipulate district lines for partisan gain, accountability vanishes. Elections cease to reflect the will of the people and instead reinforce entrenched power. Gerrymandering intensifies polarization, discourages competition, and silences communities—particularly communities of color—by diluting their electoral influence. Fair democracy depends on independent redistricting processes that prioritize compact, community-based, and representative maps that reflect a state’s true population.
Right now, a historic standoff is unfolding in Texas. In August 2025, over 50 Democratic state legislators fled the state to deny a quorum and block a hastily called special session aimed at approving a controversial mid-decade congressional map. Backed by Governor Greg Abbott and former President Trump, the map would create up to five new Republican-leaning U.S. House seats—including in majority-Hispanic districts such as those in San Antonio—despite only modest statewide vote share gains.
Governor Abbott has responded with civil arrest warrants, daily fines, and legal maneuvers to remove these lawmakers from office. This proposal has been called the most aggressive partisan map in the nation—a “durable gerrymander” designed to lock in one-party control regardless of voter shifts.
Missouri faces a similar threat. State GOP leaders, under pressure from the Trump White House, are weighing mid-decade redistricting to eliminate Kansas City’s 5th District—a Democratic seat held by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. This follows the rollback of Missouri’s 2018 “Clean Missouri” reforms, which were designed to curb gerrymandering but were weakened by 2020 voter-approved changes.
These examples prove gerrymandering is not an abstract, distant concern—it is an active, ongoing assault on fair representation. Whether in Texas, Missouri, or elsewhere, these tactics undermine democratic norms, silence communities, and escalate political conflict. This is not about one party winning an advantage—it is about ensuring every vote counts equally.
I urge you to support strong federal legislation that bans partisan redistricting and requires independent redistricting commissions in every state. Without these reforms, the integrity of our elections and public trust in government will continue to erode.
Please stand up for what’s right and say NO to gerrymandering.
Thank you for your time and leadership in defending fair representation.
Sign Petition
