Eva Clayton’s 1992 Victory as First Black NC Representative Since 1898 Faces New Threat Under Redistricting Plan
A powerful redistricting plan in North Carolina is threatening a congressional seat with deep Black political history. Republican lawmakers have pushed forward a new map that would make the northeastern 1st Congressional District harder for Democrats to win.
The North Carolina Senate approved the plan in a 25-20 vote along party lines. The new map is backed by Donald Trump, who has praised the effort to strengthen Republican control in Congress. If the map passes, it could give Republicans 11 of the state’s 14 U.S. House seats.
The 1st District has long carried historic significance. It was the district where Eva Clayton made history in 1992 as the first Black representative from North Carolina since 1898. That legacy is now at risk.
The proposed map redraws key counties in the 1st District. Many of those counties are part of the state’s Black Belt — communities with large Black populations and a shared history dating back to slavery. Counties like Halifax, Hertford, and Bertie have anchored Black political strength in the district for decades.
Under the new map, several of these counties would shift into the 3rd District, currently represented by Greg Murphy. Lawmakers and voting rights advocates warn that this move would dilute Black voting power and make it harder for a Black candidate or a Democrat to win.
“This map will silence rural Black voices,” said Sen. Kandie Smith. “We see what’s happening, and we will not be silent.”
In 1992, Clayton won the 1st District seat, becoming thefirst Black lawmakerfrom North Carolina to serve in the U.S. House in nearly a century. Her victory was more than symbolic. It signaled a revival of Black political power in the region and opened doors for future Black representatives.
Since then, the district has consistently elected Black members of Congress, including G.K. Butterfield. Both Clayton and Butterfield released a joint statement condemning the new map, calling it a “moral regression.”
“The proposed congressional map would silence communities that have long been the backbone of northeastern North Carolina,” they said. “This is not how democracy is supposed to work.”
The proposed redistricting comes as Republicans seek to protect their narrow majority in the U.S. House. Lawmakers argue the plan is legal and will withstand challenges in court. Democrats, voting rights groups, and community leaders strongly disagree.
Protesters filled the North Carolina Senate gallery during the vote. They held signs reading “Cheaters” and chanted against the plan before being escorted out. Critics also point to Trump’s vocal support of the plan as evidence of political interference at the highest level.
“This is a cynical power grab,” said Josh Stein, the state’s governor. “The legislature is taking away the people’s ability to choose their own representative.”
The 1st District’s identity has always been tied toBlack political leadership. For more than three decades, it has served as a powerful voice for Black communities in northeastern North Carolina. Now, with mid-decade redistricting advancing quickly, that legacy could be dismantled.
Sen. Gladys Robinson called the map “blatant racism,” warning that the Black electorate will lose meaningful representation. Legal battles are expected, and voting rights groups are preparing to challenge the plan in court.
Clayton’s groundbreaking win in 1992 reshaped the political landscape of North Carolina. Whether that legacy will endure may now depend on what happens in the coming weeks.
