Following Texas’s lead, Missouri has taken a critical step toward adopting a new congressional map that could solidify Republican control of the state’s House delegation. The proposed plan would eliminate Kansas City’s 5th District, a long-held Democratic stronghold, and shift representation to favor Republicans, potentially securing seven of Missouri’s eight U.S. House seats.

The map advanced through the House Special Committee on Redistricting with a 10-4 vote along party lines Thursday. It now moves to a full House vote, expected within weeks. The plan aims to split Kansas City’s current district, drawing criticism from Democrats who argue it undermines the political influence of Black voters and minority communities.

State Representative Mark Sharp, the top Democrat on the redistricting committee, condemned the proposal as a “devastating blow” to Missouri’s democracy during Thursday’s hearing. Republican lawmakers, however, defended the map, claiming it reduces the division of counties and municipalities. State Representative Dirk Deaton, who spearheaded the effort, stated the plan was crafted by Governor Mike Kehoe’s office and represents an improvement over existing boundaries.

Republican committee chair Richard West dismissed concerns about voter disenfranchisement, asserting the revised districts could make some Republican-held seats “more competitive.” If approved by the House and Senate, the map could be signed into law by Kehoe by month’s end. The debate highlights deepening partisan tensions over electoral representation in the state.