Former NC congresswoman calls proposed redistricting in eastern part of the state 'blatant discrimination'

RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- Eva Clayton, North Carolina’s first African American congresswoman, called proposed changes to the state’s congressional map “blatant discrimination.”

The criticism came as the map is just one vote away from becoming official. State Republicans are looking to redraw eastern North Carolina’s first and third congressional districts. The changes they want to make would weaken the region’s Black voting bloc and likely unseat current Democratic congressman, Don Davis.

“North Carolina’s General Assembly appeared ready now to make it almost impossible for a Black citizen to be elected again from North Carolina, northeastern area,” said Clayton.

Clayton, who used to represent the District 1, told reporters on Tuesday that for her, it seems the maps were drawn