Republican Redistricting Move Seen as Targeting Black Representation

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

Missouri Republicans are contemplating dismantling the congressional district of the state’s solely Black congressman to realize one other conservative seat, prompting a swift rebuke from the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus and different Democratic leaders.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents the probably endangered district, stated the hassle to take the seat from Black residents pushes the nation “additional and additional away from the democratic superb.” 

“I believe that is completely terrible what they’re doing, it’s not useful or healthful for our democracy,” Cleaver advised Politico. He stated Democrats in states like California and New York would haven’t any selection however reply in sort. 

Republican leaders in Jefferson Metropolis are contemplating the potential for holding a particular session in September to redraw the congressional boundaries. 

Though no official map has been launched, Gov. Mike Kehoe stated he’s open to the thought of redrawing Missouri’s congressional map. In July, Gabrielle Picard, a spokeswoman for Kehoe advised reporters, “discussions are at all times being held to make sure that conservative Missouri values are represented in Washington.”

Comparable redistricting pushes are underway elsewhere. In Texas, a serious effort to redraw political boundaries gained momentum after advisers to former President Donald Trump inspired lawmakers to safe extra Republican seats in Congress. Greater than 50 Democratic legislators fled the state to dam the GOP’s proposed map.

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus made clear its opposition to the transfer throughout a press convention Monday. One of many audio system, Rev. Darryl Grey, director of basic social justice at Progressive Nationwide Baptist Conference, warned in opposition to ceding floor to Trump.

“After we enable politicians like Donald Trump to have their approach, they don’t simply have their approach with Black and brown folks — he has his approach with all of them.”

State Rep. Yolonda Fountain Henderson, vice chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, stated she hopes “the governor doesn’t maintain a particular session and waste the taxpayers’ cash.”

Missouri final redrew its congressional districts in Could 2022, as required each 10 years following the U.S. Census. The state presently has six Republicans and two Democrats within the U.S. Home.

The dialog in Missouri is centered on dividing Cleaver’s fifth Congressional District, which encompasses virtually all of Kansas Metropolis and a few suburbs in Jackson and Clay counties.

“I believe Democrats are going to be required not solely by their constituency, however by the calls for of democracy, to combat again,” Cleaver stated.

Democratic governors Gavin Newsom in California and Kathy Hochul in New York have promised to launch their very own retaliatory redistricting plans if Texas passes the brand new map.

Wendy Todd is a member of Report for America, which helps native journalists who report on under-covered points and communities.

This put up appeared first on The St. Louis American.