In St. Louis, Redistricting Earthquake Shakes Up Plans

For the most part, threw a number of lawmakers into the same state legislative districts. But rather than spurring primary fights, at least some incumbents are making plans to move.

Such was the case with Sen. Jane Cunningham, a Chesterfield Republican who was drawn into the same district with Sen. John Lamping (R-Ladue). But instead of a confrontation, Cunningham instead , which features parts of western St. Louis County and northern Jefferson County.

Similar situations happened across the state and region with House races. For instance, state Rep. Scott Sifton (D-Affton) as opposed to facing Rep. Genise Montecillo (D-Affton). And other analogous examples occurred in other parts of St. Louis.

As for House Majority Leader Tim Jones (R-Eureka), noted in the St. Louis Beacon article I co-wrote with Jo Mannies, it may be easy to resolve conflicts in urban and suburban areas throughout the state. That’s because districts are fairly close to each other, and state statutes allow candidates time before they have to move.

But it hasn’t been as clean and tidy in other parts of the state. The Washington Missourian reported some uncertainty about the future of Franklin County’s House delegation. That’s especially the case for Reps. Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair) and Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan), who are paired up in a new district.

And even if incumbents avoid each other, it doesn't mean an end to primaries. Rudi Keller of the Columbia Daily Tribune detailed how redistricting may cause a domino effect resulting in crowded primaries across Boone County.

Needless to say, it’s going to be some time before all of the conflicts are straightened out. And some situations may not be resolved so amicably.