Redistricting

As tensions escalate, the Illinois governor won’t rule out state redistricting in mid-decade.

The effort, called for by President Donald Trump, is designed to increase Missouri’s Republican seats from six to seven. Only one seat would be safe for Democrats.

Missouri’s Freedom Caucus wants Gov. Mike Kehoe to call a special session to redraw Cleaver’s Kansas City-based district.

The majority opinion, written by Judge Kelly Broniec, recognized that redistricting is a political process and courts should be reluctant to interfere with it.

The maps Illinois Democrats approved in 2021 sealed in their political power for a decade — adding one Hispanic-majority blue seat in Congress and forcing two Republicans out of their districts.

Residents of two districts — including one that emcompasses Hazelwood — are appealing a trial court ruling that the Missouri Constitution allows counties and cities to be split between districts if other rules are met.

The decision means the lines for five Missouri Senate districts, including those in St. Louis County, will remain unchanged as candidates look ahead to 2024 elections.

A lawsuit in Cole County alleges splits in Hazelwood and in Buchanan County violate constitutional restriction that maps have fewest possible splits of cities and counties.

The 16 aldermen who said farewell on Monday marked a collective 90 years of experience at the board, although half had served less than five years.

Republicans are in no danger of losing their legislative majorities in Missouri. Yet despite tough political headwinds, Democrats hope a new map that created more competitive districts will help them pick up seats.