This Congressional Black Caucus wrote to hundreds of major U.S. companies on Tuesday, urging them to oppose Republican-led congressional redistricting efforts publicly, escalating Democrats’ campaign against new voting maps they argue dilute black voting power. In the letter sent to more than 250 corporations, according to the Associated Press, the caucus called on businesses to condemn what lawmakers described as “coordinated efforts to silence Black voices at the ballot box” through the elimination of majority-black congressional districts in several states. The letter targeted companies that previously supported voting rights or racial equity initiatives following the death of George Floyd and during debates over election laws.
The caucus, which includes 59 black Democratic lawmakers in Congress, argued that corporations have a responsibility to speak out as GOP-controlled states redraw district boundaries following a recent Supreme Court ruling that weakened a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. Lawmakers contend the decision opened a door for states to redraw maps in ways that reduce black representation in Congress.
The caucus tied voting rights to corporate and economic stability, saying fair representation is necessary for companies to succeed.
