Kansas City Mayor Condemns Proposed Congressional Map as a Political Attack on the City
KANSAS CITY, MO – August 29, 2025 – Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has sharply criticized a newly proposed congressional map for Missouri, dubbed the “Missouri first Map,” arguing it deliberately silences the city’s voice in Congress and prioritizes partisan politics over the needs of Missouri families. The map, released Friday by Governor Mike Kehoe ahead of a special legislative session scheduled for September 3rd, has already drawn accusations of gerrymandering from Democrats.
The proposal, reportedly backed by former President Donald Trump, aims to redraw Missouri’s congressional districts. Mayor Lucas contends the map will fracture Kansas City, splitting it into three separate segments and undermining critical city services.
“President Trump’s map will undermine Kansas City police, Kansas City schools, Kansas City infrastructure, and Kansas City jobs, while doing nothing to enhance support for small businesses and agriculture throughout Missouri,” Lucas stated.He further accused Washington elites of a disconnect from the realities of Missouri, emphasizing that residents “want good jobs, safe communities, and a strong future for their families.”
Currently, Missouri’s congressional delegation consists of six Republicans and two Democrats. U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, whose district encompasses much of Jackson and Clay counties, is specifically targeted by the proposed changes, fueling claims that the map is an unconstitutional attempt to weaken Democratic representation.
Mayor Lucas vowed a multi-pronged fight against the map, stating, “Kansas Citians will challenge the proposed map in every way possible: at the legislature; in the courtroom; and at the ballot box.” He indicated a willingness to run candidates – even himself – in newly drawn districts to ensure Kansas City’s concerns are adequately represented.
The special session in Jefferson City next week promises a contentious debate as legislators grapple with the proposed redistricting plan and its potential impact on the state’s political landscape.
Keywords: Missouri redistricting, Kansas City, Quinton Lucas, Mike Kehoe, Emanuel Cleaver, gerrymandering, Missouri First map, congressional map, Missouri politics, Donald Trump.
