Emanuel Cleaver
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Missouri
$21.2K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds — MO-05 House winner?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
21%chance to win
$21.2KNOV 7, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyDemocratic
Age81 years old (Oct 26, 1944)
GenderMale
LocationMissouri
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BackgroundU.S. Representative
EducationPrairie View A&M University (B.S., 1972)
Notable personal detailsEmanuel Cleaver II is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Missouri’s 5th congressional district, first taking office in 2005. He previously served on the Kansas City Council and was the 51st Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri (1991–1999). Cleaver is also a United Methodist pastor and has served on the House Committee on Financial Services.
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Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Emanuel Cleaver supports extending tax credits that reduce costs for working families and has opposed Republican tax and budget packages that he says primarily benefit the wealthy while cutting programs for lower-income households. He also backs housing and economic mobility legislation that would use tax policy and public-private investment to lower costs and build wealth for middle-class families.
Healthcare
Supports protecting and expanding public healthcare coverage, including opposition to major Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts. Has also backed legislation aimed at improving senior care, healthcare coordination, and medical research.
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Immigration & Border
Supports comprehensive immigration reform, including border security, while rejecting mass deportation policies and broader detention-centered enforcement. Also opposes measures that restrict asylum access, weaken family unity, or expand border wall spending.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Emanuel Cleaver has a pro-choice voting record and has opposed abortion restrictions such as personhood measures. He also publicly supported legislation tied to the Women’s Health Protection Act and reproductive freedom.
Climate & Energy
Cleaver supports climate action, clean energy investment, and energy-efficiency measures. His public materials describe the Inflation Reduction Act as a major climate investment and say he co-chairs the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. His office also says he supports protecting air quality and has worked on policies that address climate change and clean energy.
Public Safety & Guns
Emanuel Cleaver has supported expanding federal gun screening, including background checks for every firearm sale and longer waiting periods for completed checks. His documented record also includes support for recent gun-safety legislation as a cosponsor, indicating a pro-regulation position rather than a gun-rights posture.
Latest News
Emanuel Cleaver is in the news because Missouri’s redrawn 5th Congressional District is heading into a competitive general election, with Republican Rick Brattin now the GOP nominee and Cleaver unopposed for the Democratic nomination. The new map is being challenged in court, and expedited hearings over ballot measures could still affect whether the 2025 redistricting plan is used in November. Courts have so far upheld the map, but the legal fight is ongoing and could change the district’s ballot setup before the Sept. 8 deadline.
Trump-backed Rick Brattin wins GOP nomination in reshaped 5th District
Drawn Congressional Maps in Missouri
Missouri redistricting, Respect MO Voters cases' trials set
Missouri’s new US House map goes to court while Louisiana and South Carolina consider redistricting
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
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LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
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