May1-2026

​🏛️ Issue of the Week: Gerrymandering Serves No One

 

Summary

 

Every ten years we all participate in the national census. One of the main purposes is to ensure we all have fair representation at every level of government and that resources are distributed as fairly as possible based on data. After this process, governmental districts are also redrawn to protect everyone’s voice in government. The last census was completed in 2020, followed by standard redistricting.

 

Starting in 2025, Republicans, knowing their policies are causing chaos by going too far, started pushing for redistricting in “red states’ to retain power at the federal level. Democrats responded in kind in “blue states.” Eleven states prohibit mid-cycle redistricting, and traditionally, it has only occurred when courts require it—typically in cases where district maps violate the Voting Rights Act.

 

It is my strong opinion that not only is this not a fair process but also destroys people’s trust in our government institutions. Here is how my view differs from my opponent:  

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Gerrymandering Helps None of Us:

 

Gerrymandering, or redrawing political district lines to give one party advantage, is a practice that typically redistributes power to a minority party that does not reflect the view of the people. The impacts of this poor leadership decision are many:

 

• Groups of citizens with vastly different needs end up represented by someone who can’t serve either well.  Pairing partial urban cores with partial rural districts, for example, makes it difficult for a single representative to be an unconflicted voice of the voters they represent. This is the opposite of why representative districts are supposed be drawn in the first place.

• Views of the voters of the gerrymandered district are not fairly represented. Gerrymandered districts by nature are not representative of all the voters in the district (and neighboring ones). It makes it possible for a party with a small majority to act like one with a large majority and ignore a huge group of voters.

• Bad laws and policies are passed because they reflect the views of a small group of powerbrokers, not the electorate. Because these districts by nature are not representative, they are led by a small group of powerbrokers who limit opposing views, discussion and due process. They do this to keep control to protect their own limited interests. It often leads to corruption.

• It reduces the natural checks and balances of the two-party system. While the two-party system is not perfect, most Americans believe it is better than the one-party system. Gerrymandered districts give too much power to one party, moving leadership to extremes on either side most people do not want.

• Citizens and voters lose faith in government institutions and leaders themselves. The lack of fair and due process and representation, extreme policy positions, and immense corruption that result from gerrymandering has the eventual impact of turning off citizens and voters. This downward spiral worsens the government as people grow more helpless.

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Key District 33 Details

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Our House District 33 is being affected by the redistricting of Federal House District 4. The current Jefferson City leadership, including our current House District 33 Representative, has pushed for the radical gerrymandering in Missouri this year. They did this for no other reason than for political advantage for their party- not for any direct benefit to the citizens of Missouri.

 

• This has put undue financial and administrative burdens on the state with court battles and lack of direction for agencies and election boards.

• Candidates and parties cannot plan for communication and campaigns to represent and communicate with voters effectively.

• Citizens will be frustrated as the districts and candidates may be changed right up until or possibly after election day. Many may disengage when we need their participation most.

• All of this is a tremendous waste of financial and governmental resources that could have been used for education, seniors, veterans, small businesses, and local government efficiency programs.

  

A Better Path Forward

 

We can’t keep this up. We are not Democrats or Republicans first; we are Americans first. It’s time for the political parties to act like it.

 

• If Republicans are going to gerrymander, Democrats must make sure we point out what is happening and why. Gerrymandering is nothing more than a power grab. Mid- Cycle Gerrymandering is even more so. Democrats must continue to point out that there is no benefit to doing this for anyone other than the party that pushed it.

• Democrats must have a message and policies that are representative of the needs of as many voters as possible. My platform to make government work better for all citizens, and supporting public education, a fair tax system, and above all protecting the will of the people represent what I have heard are the most important issues of my constituency.  

• Citizens must let go of cheering for their “team” and be aware of the candidates who support policies that stop the chaos and support a stable society. We can’t work together if people do not play by the rules, stick to their word and represent their electorate. Unfortunately, when elected officials openly lie, it means voters must do extra work. The “Show Me State” must live up to its motto now more than ever.

• Legislative action should be taken to ensure gerrymandering can not take place in Missouri and districts will be drawn as fairly as possible and only every ten years. I promise that if I am elected, I will work with my own party and hopefully across the aisle, to make sure Missouri Districts are represented fairly and gerrymandering no longer happens in our state.
   

Conclusion

 

Most political issues are very complex. Gerrymandering is not. While always a power grab, it is especially so when done any time other than after the census data is collected. It requires an escalation of bad political decisions that are in no one’s best interest. If elected, I will incorporate eliminating gerrymandering as a key component to my core issue of protecting the will of the people to build trust and to make our government work well for all of us again.