Mississippi Governor Cancels Redistricting Session

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves canceled a special legislative session scheduled to redraw the state’s supreme court districts, according to multiple reports. However, he indicated that congressional redistricting would occur before the 2027 elections, aiming to target Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson's seat.

The cancellation follows a Supreme Court ruling in late April that weakened part of the Voting Rights Act, prompting several Southern states to reconfigure their maps. Reeves stated on SuperTalk radio that redrawing congressional districts before the midterm elections would be difficult and might hurt Republicans, as it could invalidate primary results held in March.

Reeves emphasized his collaboration with the Trump administration on redistricting efforts. He noted that Thompson's seat is a priority for redrawing, aiming to shift Mississippi’s GOP representation from 3-1 to 4-0. Thompson, the state’s only congressional Democrat and longest-serving Black elected official, represents a predominantly Black district.

State Auditor Shad White, a rising star in the GOP, advocated for redrawing the map promptly to oust Thompson, citing prepared maps that could give each congressional district an even level of Trump support. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Derrick Simmons and House Minority Leader Robert Johnson III did not respond to requests for comment.

Rep. Bennie Thompson criticized the Supreme Court decision that effectively gutted the Voting Rights Act (VRA), stating it was 'red meat' to Republican legislators in the South. He expressed concerns about potential voter suppression and the targeting of his district by conservative lawmakers. Thompson highlighted historical efforts to disenfranchise Black voters and emphasized the importance of the VRA in leveling the playing field for representation.

Thompson also addressed personal attacks from Republicans, noting that his liberal voting record and chairmanship of the January 6 committee have made him a target. He vowed to resist efforts to diminish Black representation and encouraged voter mobilization and legal challenges to unfair redistricting practices.