Senate Shake-Up: Chappelle-Nadal Says She'll Represent Clayton, Richmond Heights

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City), a graduate, confirmed Wednesday that she will be the new representative for and in the Missouri Senate.

She will continue to represent University City. Her district has just expanded to include Clayton and Richmond Heights.

Sen. John Lamping (R-St. Louis County) has been the representative for the cities since his election last year.

The shift is the result of redistricting that happens every 10 years in conjunction with the U.S. Census, a news release from Missouri's Appellate Apportionment Commission states. New maps for both the state Senate and House of Representatives have been submitted to the secretary of state by the commission.

"We have worked collaboratively to draw maps that comply with the constitution, the Voting Rights Act, and other legal requirements," Commission Chair Lisa White Hardwick stated in the release.

Chappelle-Nadal confirmed the redistricting via a private message on Twitter. She could not immediately be reached for additional comment.

In an interview with Creve Coeur Patch, Lamping said he is "very disappointed for the St. Louis region" that the number of state senators representing it will be reduced from eight to seven.

"What I don't know is if I live in the district," Lamping said.

More information about the redistricting changes is available on the St. Louis Beacon's website.