By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District
Missouri Voters Deserve Fair Maps, Not a MAGA Power Play
In the early hours, President Donald Trump posted that “Missouri is now in.” The meaning is clear enough: top‑down pressure to redraw our congressional map mid‑decade to lock in more safe seats. Missouri deserves better than a back‑room rush job that treats voters like pieces on a chessboard.
Let’s get the facts straight. Today’s talk in Jefferson City isn’t about fixing broken communities or making districts more compact. It’s about raw power. Republican leaders have said they would “start with a map drawn in D.C.” and see how far they can push it. Meanwhile, Governor Mike “Krooked” Kehoe hasn’t formally called a special session—but public reporting shows he’s signaling movement. That’s not Missouri‑first. That’s Washington‑first—just dressed up for the State Capitol.
What the law allows—and what’s right
Under Missouri law, the legislature draws congressional districts by regular statute. That means a mid‑decade redraw is technically possible. But “legal” isn’t the same as “right.” Mid‑course rewrites—without new census data—invite court fights, risk diluting minority votes, and tell citizens their communities can be sliced up anytime it suits those in power. Fair government doesn’t move the goalposts after the game starts.
What fair representation should look like
Here’s my standard: compact lines that keep counties and communities together, with districts that honestly reflect how Missourians live and vote. At a minimum, Missouri should have a balanced map with four Republican‑leaning districts, three Democratic‑leaning districts, and one truly competitive district where candidates have to earn every vote. That competitive seat matters—because it forces real listening and keeps politicians honest.
For years, Missouri has run a 6–2 split. In 2022, insiders tried to force a 7–1 map and couldn’t get it done. Now the same crowd wants a do‑over because the White House said “jump.” That’s not governing; that’s obeying.
Let’s talk about trust
Mike “Krooked” Kehoe built his career selling cars before he moved into politics. Nothing wrong with honest sales work—but everyone knows the difference between a straight‑shooting deal and a high‑pressure pitch. What you’re seeing now is a high‑pressure pitch: sell Missourians on a rush map they didn’t ask for, to solve a political problem they don’t have.
Contact Missouri officials (neutral directory)
Office of the Governor (Mike “Krooked” Kehoe)
Phone: (573) 751‑3222
Website: governor.mo.gov/contact-us
Missouri Capitol Switchboard
Phone: (573) 751‑2000
Find your State Senator and Representative
Missouri Legislator Lookup: senate.mo.gov/legislookup/default
Senate Directory (phone numbers): senate.mo.gov/Senators/Directory
House Member Roster (phone numbers): house.mo.gov/MemberRoster.aspx
The Missouri way forward
Missourians are practical. We want our farms, towns, and neighborhoods kept intact. We want maps drawn in public, with real hearings and real testimony. We want safeguards against cracking Kansas City or St. Louis voters and against slicing rural communities to pad safe seats. And we want one district on the map where either party can win if they show up, tell the truth, and earn it.
Bottom line: No mid‑decade power grab. No D.C.‑drawn districts. Give Missouri fair, compact lines—and give voters one competitive seat where ideas, not party bosses, carry the day.
Sources:
KSHB 41: Trump’s Truth Social post says “Missouri is now in”
Missouri Independent: GOP leader says lawmakers will start with a map drawn in D.C.
KCUR: Trump claims “Missouri is now in” to redraw districts; Kehoe signals movement
St. Louis Public Radio: Missouri appears headed to congressional redistricting
Loyola Law School, All About Redistricting: Missouri process overview
Congressional Research Service (Aug. 11, 2025): Mid‑Decade Congressional Redistricting—Key Issues
Office of the Governor: Contact page
Missouri Senate Legislator Lookup
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