Missouri Republicans are considering dismantling the congressional district of the state’s only Black congressman to gain another conservative seat, prompting a swift rebuke from the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus and other Democratic leaders.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents the possibly endangered district, said the effort to take the seat from Black residents pushes the nation “further and further away from the democratic ideal.”

“I think this is absolutely awful what they’re doing, it’s not helpful or wholesome for our democracy,” Cleaver told Politico. He said Democrats in states like California and New York would have no choice but respond in kind.

Republican leaders in Jefferson City are considering the possibility of holding a special session in September to redraw t

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