Mississippi Takes Initial Steps to Consider Redistricting After Supreme Court Ruling
In light of a pivotal Supreme Court decision, Mississippi lawmakers are setting the stage for potential changes to the state’s legislative, congressional, and judicial districts. The Louisiana v. Callais ruling, which has implications for minority voting protections, prompted the Joint Redistricting and Reapportionment Committee to convene at the state Capitol for its first meeting post-ruling.
The committee, which includes both House and Senate members, plans to gather public input across eight regions in Mississippi over the coming months. These efforts aim to address the impact of the Callais decision on district boundaries. Additionally, the committee appointed legal representation from Butler Snow and elected Republican Sen. Dean Kirby as chairman, with Republican Rep. Noah Sanford serving as vice chair.
Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann refrained from specifying which districts might be prioritized, saying, “I don’t want to pre-suppose anything. The committee needs to do its work. They’re going to be going all over Mississippi hearing from people.” Despite these assurances, some activists express skepticism about the process.
Amir Badat, a senior adviser with Fair Fight Action, criticized the committee’s approach, describing it as “putting lipstick on a pig.” Badat expressed concerns that the process aims to weaken Black political influence, stating that public hearings would not change this perceived agenda. “If the joint committee truly cared about what the public wants, it would end this sham process before it begins,” Badat remarked.
The committee meeting followed a voting-rights town hall organized by Scott Colom, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, featuring prominent figures like Democratic U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. Bennie Thompson. The panel urged attendees to engage in voter registration and turnout efforts.
Alsobrooks emphasized the importance of perseverance in safeguarding majority Black districts, referencing the historical struggles faced by civil rights activists like John Lewis. “It was a sacrosanct right that we’re never going to give up,” she affirmed.
Any congressional redistricting efforts could potentially target Rep. Bennie Thompson, the only Black Democratic official from Mississippi in Washington. Republican figures, including state Auditor Shad White, have advocated for redistricting that would dismantle Thompson’s district.
Thompson highlighted his intent to monitor the public hearings and stressed the importance of transparency. “I hope their work will be done in public and not behind closed doors,” he commented.
Upcoming Public Hearings
Citizens will have the opportunity to voice their opinions at the following scheduled hearings, all at 6 p.m.:
- Aug. 18 at Itawamba Community College in Tupelo
- Aug. 27 at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia
- Sept. 1 at Delta State University in Cleveland
- Sept. 8 at Alcorn State University in Natchez
- Sept. 10 at a venue to be determined in Meridian
- Sept. 17 at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg
- Sept. 22 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport
- Sept. 24 at the state Capitol building in Jackson
This article was originally published by Mississippi Today and shared through a partnership with The Associated Press.
