The Missouri Legislature is set to begin a special session on redistricting, with Republican lawmakers pushing to reshape congressional districts ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. This initiative is seen as a strategic move to create more favorable districts for the GOP, particularly targeting the Kansas City seat currently occupied by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
Democrats across the state are vocally opposing this redistricting effort, but their ability to impede the process is severely limited.
In contrast to Texas, where Democratic lawmakers successfully stalled redistricting efforts through a quorum break, Missouri’s Democratic representatives lack the numeric strength to execute a similar maneuver. Missouri requires only a simple majority for legislature activities, while the Texas House mandates two-thirds presence to proceed. With Republicans holding a substantial two-thirds majority in both chambers of the Missouri Legislature, they are well-positioned to advance their agenda.
Ashley Aune, the state House Minority Leader for the Democrats, expressed frustration over their inability to disrupt the redistricting efforts. “We can’t do what Texas did,” Aune stated during an interview, acknowledging the challenges faced by her party.
She underscored the feelings of helplessness among Democrats, saying, “There’s literally nothing procedurally, there’s nothing strategically that we can do as Democrats in the super minority to prevent these maps from passing.” However, Aune emphasized their commitment to fight against the process, indicating they would strive to make Republicans uncomfortable throughout.
Doug Beck, the Democratic minority leader in the Missouri state Senate, echoed Aune’s sentiments, asserting that even though they will protest, participation in the session is necessary. “It doesn’t really matter whether or not [we come]. They can have session without us if we’re not there,” he noted. Beck indicated they would be present to advocate for their constituents, insisting that they would not abandon their responsibility to challenge the redistricting.
Similar trends of mid-decade redistricting are unfolding in other Republican-controlled states like Indiana and Florida, amplifying concerns among Democrats.
In Florida, where both legislative houses are dominated by Republicans, the quorum requirement aligns with that of Missouri, enabling GOP lawmakers to proceed unimpeded. Indiana, though requiring a two-thirds majority, still finds Republicans capable of meeting that threshold.
Democratic State Representative Matt Pierce from Indiana pointed out that Republicans have the procedural advantage, allowing them to effectively manage legislative business and expedite the passage of their agenda. He raised concerns about whether the Republicans would opt for a swift approach in a special session or a prolonged process during redistricting, noting the importance of public perception.
Pierce remarked, “They can come and jam through things very quickly, but I don’t think that would be a good look for them.” He acknowledged the limitations Democrats face, comparing their situation to that of Texas, where tactics like breaking quorum had a tangible impact.
As the political landscape shifts, Pierce noted that public opinion will be pivotal in shaping the future of the electoral map in Indiana. He explained how disillusionment with Republican leadership does not stem from popularity but rather from low voter turnout among Democrats. The potential for increased engagement among constituents disaffected by redistricting might alter the dynamics in certain districts leading into the midterms.
Recognizing the challenges of drawing district lines that enhance Republican advantage, Pierce stated, “If you’re going to take a major metropolitan area and basically carve up those Democratic voters and push them into rural districts, you’d create some opportunity for Democrats.” His perspective reflects a broader concern among Democrats about the implications of aggressive gerrymandering.
On a national scale, Democratic leaders are rallying to highlight issues related to Republican-driven redistricting efforts. In a letter shared with Democratic colleagues, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the partisan gerrymandering, claiming it to be part of a concerted strategy to tilt the elections in Republicans’ favor.
Jeffries asserted, “House Democrats will continue to push back forcefully against these partisan Republican legislation attempts,” emphasizing the commitment to uphold democratic principles.
Opponents of the new congressional maps in Missouri are already preparing for potential legal challenges. Michael Wolf, a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and member of the group People Not Politicians, expressed optimism about contesting the redistricting in court post-enactment.
Wolf raised questions regarding the constitutionality of mid-decade redistricting efforts, stating, “The question here is: Is the timing authorized by the [state] constitution, and I think it is not.” His beliefs resonate with concerns about the democratic legitimacy of such redistricting practices.
As Missouri lawmakers gear up for the special session, the battle over redistricting is poised to intensify, with far-reaching implications for the political landscape both in the state and nationally.
image source from：nbcnews
