Missouri Senate

The relationship between Senate Republicans and Democrats soured in 2025 after the Republican majority cut off debate and passed several initiatives that Democrats opposed, including redistricting and an abortion ban ballot measure.

In his 2026 State of the State address, Gov. Mike Kehoe said he wants a statewide vote in November on his plan to phase out the state income tax and allow for taxes on things like monthly subscriptions and digital services. Democrats have questioned whether that's possible without wrecking future budgets.

Missouri Senate Democrats say they're still irate over how the GOP cut off debate last year — pushing through legislation to redraw congressional maps, ban abortion and repeal paid sick leave.

Missouri Republicans made big moves last legislative session to force through their agenda on abortion, redistricting and more — and now the consequences will be felt this year. Democrats are determined to stall action in the state Senate as retribution.

After the state's education department oversaw a pilot program teaching science through agriculture, lawmakers saw an opportunity for more.

The complaint says that Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway did not have the authority to list the legislature as a plaintiff in a redistricting lawsuit without its input.

State Sen. Lincoln Hough voted against efforts to end debate on gerrymandering and initiative petition bills — and was swiftly removed as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was only one of two Republicans who opposed efforts to push through the measures.

Missouri senators are expected to debate and then vote Friday on a Republican-drawn map that seeks to oust Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, as well as a plan to make it harder to pass citizen-led constitutional amendments. Cleaver gave an impassioned testimony against the effort Thursday.

On the same day that thousands of protesters filled the Missouri Capitol to protest gerrymandering, Republicans used a rare procedural maneuver to cut off debate over the rules of the special session.

In a little more than a week, the idea of redrawing Missouri’s congressional district lines has gained momentum among Republicans — with the explicitly partisan purpose of watering down Democratic voting power in the Kansas City-area 5th District, and forcing U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver out of his seat.

Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed five people to a state board that would manage the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. But some St. Louis lawmakers criticized the governor for primarily choosing white men.

The state could soon join 27 others banning hair discrimination if Gov. Mike Kehoe signs the proposal into law.