JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, told colleagues Thursday she would resign her post as chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus.

“Due to recent circumstances and events, I have decided to resign from my position as Chair of Missouri Legislative Black Caucus,” she wrote in an email Thursday evening. “I do not wish to divide the caucus, but for the caucus to remain unified.”

In her letter, Nasheed said her resignation would be effective immediately. Her resignation came as two members of the caucus – Michael Butler and Clem Smith – were mulling calling for a vote of confidence under an unclear set of by laws, a source said.

Upon her resignation as chairman, caucus Vice Chairman and state Rep. Brandon Ellington will take over her duties as chairman.

Nasheed will maintain her seat in the Senate.

Dear Caucus Members:

Please accept this as my letter of resignation from the position of Chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, effective today, January 9, 2014.

It was an honor and privilege to serve as the Chairman during the 2013 session of the Missouri Legislature. In fact, just this week I achieved one of my primary objectives – arranging the first ever meeting between the Governor and the Caucus. The robust agenda we presented to him sets the tone and course for the Caucus for the 2014 session. Thus, the 2014 session presents an opportune time to transition the Caucus leadership due to my burgeoning Senate duties and responsibilities.

I have enjoyed working with Caucus members to achieve the tremendous tangible successes we brought about this past year, including our great work in having the Governor quickly reverse his stance on SNAP, and our suffocation of the Voter ID Bill.

I am extremely proud of our many joint accomplishments, and I look forward to being an active part of the Caucus in continuing our relationship with the Governor and ensuring our agenda is fulfilled.

Finally, I truly thank you again for the honor of serving the Caucus as its Chairman.

Sincerely yours,

Jamilah Nasheed