Primary Election
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Congressman Cleaver on NPR
Congressman Cleaver discusses Missouri’s congressional map, housing challenges and the importance of protecting fair representation.
Cleaver begins speaking at the 14:00 mark.
Cleaver Joins Bipartisan Effort to Restore Health Insurance Tax Credits After Premium Hikes
U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver and Sharice Davids supported legislation in the House to restore Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that had lapsed, after thousands of Kansas City families faced sharp health insurance cost increases. Cleaver highlighted that extending these credits would provide immediate financial relief to tens of thousands of constituents struggling with soaring premiums.
Cleaver Reaffirms Plans to Run Again Amid Missouri Redistricting Efforts
Amid ongoing debate over redistricting in Missouri and national pressure from presidential figures, Congressman Cleaver reaffirmed his intention to run for re-election in 2026. He stressed his commitment to representing Kansas City despite efforts to redraw district lines in a way that could disadvantage his seat.
Cleaver on Temporary Shutdown as Funding Deal Delays DHS Votes
As a partial federal government shutdown took effect over the weekend due to stalled legislation, Congressman Cleaver weighed in on the situation, emphasizing ongoing negotiations over Department of Homeland Security funding and immigration enforcement priorities. He highlighted concerns about training and accountability within DHS agencies while urging Congress to act swiftly to reopen the full government.
Cleaver and Local Leaders Push Back on Proposed ICE Detention Center
Local elected officials — including Congressman Cleaver — are pushing back against plans for a new immigration detention facility in the Kansas City area. The proposal has drawn concern from community leaders over its potential impact on neighborhoods and questions about taxpayer resources being used to expand detention infrastructure.
Cleaver Highlights Redistricting Fight in Missouri
In national broadcast coverage, Congressman Cleaver discusses the unprecedented efforts by Missouri lawmakers to redraw congressional maps — a move he says threatens fair representation and could undermine voter influence in Kansas City.
Cleaver Delivers $850,000 to Transform Grandview into Community Hub
Congressman Cleaver secured $850,000 in federal funding for the future home of the Grandview Farmers Market, helping bring new life to a long-vacant site in the city’s downtown. The project, now named Grandview Station, will serve as a year-round gathering space featuring local vendors, small businesses, and community events — boosting economic development and access to fresh food for residents.
Watch Cleaver Discuss Bipartisanship and Restoring Trust in Congress
In a FOX4 4 The People segment, Congressman Cleaver discusses Congress’s low approval ratings, the importance of bipartisan cooperation and why delivering results for constituents must come before partisan politics.
Cleaver Calls on Olin Winchester to Negotiate in Good Faith with Union Workers
Congressman Cleaver joined Rep. Wesley Bell in urging Olin Winchester leadership to return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with more than 1,300 striking workers at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. In a letter to company leadership, they emphasized that collective bargaining is a cornerstone of U.S. labor law and warned that prolonged delays could harm both working families and the nation’s defense supply chain.
Cleaver Delivers Major Federal Investments Across Kansas City Region
Congressman Cleaver secured more than $13 million in federal funding for critical projects across Missouri’s Fifth District, supporting public safety, transportation, housing improvements and community development. Major investments include upgrades for the Kansas City Police Department, improvements to public housing and funding for transportation and neighborhood revitalization projects throughout the district.
Cleaver Confirms 2026 Run as Redistricting Leaves District Boundaries Unclear
Congressman Cleaver has filed for reelection in 2026, but ongoing legal battles over Missouri’s controversial redistricting map leave uncertainty around exactly which district he will represent. The proposed map would significantly reshape his Kansas City–based district, potentially extending it deep into more rural areas and creating new electoral challenges. Despite the uncertainty, Cleaver remains focused on serving his current constituents while the courts and state officials determine which map will be in effect.
Cleaver’s Record of Public Service Remains Central Amid Redistricting Fight
In a Kansas City Star opinion column, Mará Rose Williams reflects on Congressman Cleaver’s nearly 50 years of public service, from his time as Kansas City’s first Black mayor to his longtime leadership in Congress. As Missouri’s new redistricting map threatens to reshape his path to reelection, the piece highlights Cleaver’s legacy of unifying communities, championing Kansas City’s East Side and delivering lasting civic projects like the 18th & Vine Jazz District.
Opinion Column Highlights Concerns Over Missouri’s Political Future
In an opinion piece by columnist Mary Sanchez, Congressman Cleaver’s fight against Missouri’s controversial redistricting efforts is highlighted as part of a broader concern over threats to democratic representation in the state. The column examines growing fears about gerrymandering, voter disenfranchisement and the long-term impact on fair elections in Missouri.
Cleaver Highlights Housing Affordability Solutions in National Fox News Interview
Congressman Cleaver joined Rep. French Hill on Fox News’ Special Report to discuss the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and the urgent need to address America’s housing affordability crisis. Cleaver emphasized that expanding housing supply and modernizing outdated federal programs are essential steps toward making homeownership more accessible for working families.
Cleaver Investigates Alleged Abuse and Extreme Work Hours in Veterinary Education
Congressman Cleaver launched a congressional inquiry into allegations of widespread mistreatment and extreme work hours at U.S. veterinary schools. In letters sent to 36 institutions nationwide, he requested information on student workload expectations, protections against exploitation, and safeguards for student well-being. Cleaver emphasized that academic rigor must never come at the expense of student health, mental well-being, or quality patient care.
Cleaver Demands Congressional Investigation After Death of Renee Goods
Congressman Cleaver called for a congressional investigation into the death of Renee Goods, urging accountability and transparency after the tragic incident gained public attention. His statement reflects deep concern for justice and proper federal oversight regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
Cleaver Highlights Community Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In Kansas City’s MLK Day volunteer efforts, community members — including those connected to Congressman Cleaver’s district — packed care kits with essentials like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bed mats made from recycled plastic bags, and handwritten notes of encouragement for those in need. The event showcased how Kansas Citians continue the legacy of service and compassion that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. championed.
Exploring Black–Jewish Civil Rights History in Kansas City
A Flatland feature highlights the deep historical partnership between Black and Jewish communities in Kansas City, as explored through stories and reflections tied to a new PBS documentary on national civil rights history. The piece celebrates local leaders — past and present — whose collaborative efforts in justice work helped shape a more equitable community, noting the longstanding personal and civic relationships that continue to influence the region.
Cleaver Voices Concern Over Proposed DHS Detention Facility in KC
In a recent interview, Congressman Cleaver told local media that the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to expand large detention facilities — including one in Kansas City — raises serious questions about community impact and transparency, and that the administration must answer constituents’ concerns before moving forward.
Cleaver Among Top Missouri Federal and State Candidates in Morning Digest
The Downballot’s Morning Digest spotlighted key Missouri political races and notable incumbents — including Congressman Emanuel Cleaver — as candidates begin organizing for the 2026 election cycle. Coverage included updates on campaign filings, fundraising, and issues shaping the contests ahead.
Cleaver Allies Move Closer to Putting Gerrymandered Map on Ballot
Opponents of Missouri’s controversial congressional redistricting plan announced they have gathered enough signatures to potentially force a statewide vote on the map. Organizers say they exceeded the required threshold across multiple districts, marking a major step toward letting voters decide whether to overturn the GOP-backed map that reshapes Kansas City’s representation.
Cleaver Addresses Congress’s Low Approval Ratings and Need for Cooperation
On FOX4’s 4 The People, Congressman Cleaver joined a bipartisan discussion on Congress’s historically low approval ratings, emphasizing the need for greater cooperation and problem-solving in Washington. Alongside Rep. Derek Schmidt, Cleaver highlighted how restoring trust requires leaders to focus on delivering results for constituents rather than partisan gridlock.
Cleaver Prepares for Reelection Under Missouri’s New Redistricting Map
Missouri’s newly approved congressional map is officially set for the 2026 election cycle, reshaping Kansas City’s representation and dramatically altering the boundaries of Congressman Cleaver’s district. Despite ongoing political and legal battles surrounding the controversial map, Cleaver remains focused on his reelection campaign and continuing to advocate for Kansas City communities amid the changing political landscape.
Cleaver Helps Advance Major Housing Reform with Overwhelming Bipartisan Support
The House passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in a sweeping 395-13 bipartisan vote, marking one of the most significant housing reform efforts in decades. Congressman Cleaver, a leading voice on housing policy in Congress, helped advance the legislation aimed at expanding housing supply, modernizing federal housing programs and improving affordability for working families nationwide.
Cleaver Condemns Proposed DHS Plan to Expand ICE Detention Centers in Kansas City
Congressman Cleaver released a statement condemning the Department of Homeland Security’s reported plan to open an immigration detention center in Kansas City, calling for transparency and thorough answers from DHS before moving forward. He criticized the administration’s reliance on no-bid contracts and emphasized that taxpayer dollars would be better spent on public safety and community support rather than mass detention.
Cleaver: Trump Administration’s Response to ICE Shooting “Completely Irresponsible”
On Up to Date, Congressman Cleaver criticized the Trump administration’s response to a controversial ICE-related shooting, calling the characterization of the incident “completely irresponsible.” He emphasized the importance of waiting for a full investigation and underscored that premature labels can inflame tensions without clear evidence.
Cleaver Opposes Trump Plan to Ban Investors from Single-Family Home Market
Congressman Cleaver joined House Democrats in pushing back against a Trump administration proposal that would restrict investors from buying single-family homes. Critics, including Cleaver, argue that the plan could reduce overall housing supply and drive up costs for everyday homebuyers — especially first-time buyers and working families already struggling in today’s market.
Cleaver: GOP Redistricting Threatens Fair Representation
In a States Newsroom opinion piece, Congressman Cleaver condemned Missouri Republicans’ mid-decade redistricting plan as an unconstitutional attempt to dilute the voices of Kansas City voters and weaken his seat. With multiple lawsuits already filed against the plan, Cleaver warns that the effort undermines democratic principles and could shift political power away from urban communities.
Cleaver Backs SBE Council Support for Bipartisan Housing Act
The State and Local Government Council (SBE Council) released a statement backing the Housing for the 21st Century Act — legislation Cleaver helped advance in the House Financial Services Committee. The council emphasized how the act’s bipartisan reforms could modernize federal housing programs, increase supply, and address affordability challenges.
Cleaver Explains Why He Did Not Boycott Trump’s State of the Union
On Up to Date, Congressman Cleaver discussed his decision not to boycott President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address. He explained that, while he has serious policy disagreements with the administration, attending key national forums allows him to advocate for Missouri’s interests and hold leaders accountable from a seat at the table.