Missouri’s state Senate passed a bill on Friday aimed at redistricting a Democrat-held federal congressional seat for Kansas City and turning it into a Republican-leaning seat.

This move follows suit with other states around the nation attempting to change the landscape of the US House of Representatives in time for the midterm elections in the fall of 2026.

The new bill would affect Missouri’s Fifth congressional district, which Democratic US Representative Emanuel Cleaver has represented since 2005. The map passed by the state Senate would have the district lean more conservatively.

Calling it an “unconstitutional gerrymander,” Cleaver condemned the bill’s passing, noting “this fight is far from over.”

President Donald J. Trump wrote to Truth Social on Friday praising the redistricting effort, calling the new map “fairer and much improved.”

Republican state Rep. Dirk Deaton, who sponsored the House bill, thanked Trump in a statement for his support of the legislation. “This map splits more than 50% fewer counties and will reflect Missouri values in Congress,” Deaton wrote. 

This is the latest redistricting effort that would give Republicans an edge in the 2026 midterm elections. Texas passed a similar initiative last month, as has California, which will place its proposed new map on the ballot this fall.

The bill passed in a 21-11 vote, with two Republicans voting against it, in line with the state Senate Democrats.

Bryant Wolfin, who represents District 145 in the southeastern part of the state, voted against the redistricting legislation, saying:

James Madison warned us in Federalist No. 10 that when political factions gain control of a majority, they stop defending liberty and start seeking control. That’s what I see happening, and I called out both parties for playing the same power games. Don’t be fooled by the theatrics. Don’t trust either side to protect your liberty when the prize is POWER.

Cleaver thanked the lawmakers from both sides of the aisle for voting against the legislation, but said he was “deeply disappointed that Missouri’s Legislature put the wishes of Washington above the voices of their own constituents and the needs of our communities.”

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, who called the Missouri legislature’s special session for Friday’s vote, is expected to sign the new map into law.