Missouri GOP redistricting draft map would split Springfield between two state Senate districts
An early redistricting map of Missouris Senate seats drawn by Republicans on the state's commission splits Springfield into two districts — but that's likely to change as appointed bipartisan citizens panels continue work on how lines are drawn.
The proposed map, sent by Senate committee chair Marc Ellinger to Democrats, would cut a line through the city, with the west and east halves being consolidated into districts that encompass north Christian County and the rest of Greene County. The proposal is a stark departure from the last decade's maps, which has seen the entirety of Springfield in one district and the remainder of Greene County in another.
It would also significantly hamper Democrats, who see encouraging electoral trends in the area but would struggle with their voter base split between two districts. The executive director of the Missouri Democratic Party, Randy Dunn, called the attempted Springfield split "egregious."
"This is a clear sign that (Republicans) are only looking to try to preserve power, over looking out for the needs of communities of interest and ensuring fair and representative maps," Dunn said.
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2021/11/16/republican-missouri-redistricting-map-would-split-springfield-two-senate-districts/8586434002/
