Washington, D.C. — Today, John Bisognano, President of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), released the following statement in response to Republicans introducing an extreme congressional gerrymander proposal in the Missouri General Assembly:

“Despite overwhelming opposition from the people, Missouri Republicans are proposing a congressional map that would split apart the state’s most populous city and turn the Show-Me state into one of the most egregiously gerrymandered states in the country. Just three years ago, Republicans rejected attempts to carve up Kansas City because they listened to the public outcry.  The only thing that has changed since that time is the fact that Missouri Republicans are now choosing to cater to Washington instead of standing up for their constituents. Republicans can and should back down from pursuing this extreme power grab before it’s too late, or they will face an angry electorate at the ballot box and numerous legal challenges.”

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND ON GROWING OPPOSITION TO A MID-DECADE GERRYMANDER IN MISSOURI:

For several weeks, Missourians have demonstrated overwhelming opposition to a mid-decade gerrymander. Voters have been flooding Governor Mike Kehoe’s office with calls opposing a mid-decade gerrymander. Thousands of Missourians have protested across the Show-Me State, including in Clayton, Kansas City, and Jefferson City. 

The proposal to carve up Kansas City, Missouri’s most populous city and a major economic driver for the state, has also garnered opposition from labor union workers and civil rights leaders, as well as two of Kansas City’s largest business advocacy groups, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City.

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