Story perspectives

Governor Cancels Session After Court Vacates Redraw; 2027 Redistricting Planned

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Tate Reeves cancelled the May 20 session after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the order to redraw the Supreme Court districts.
Reeves said Mississippi will pursue congressional redistricting before 2027 and warned it would require nullifying primaries and could set a nationwide precedent.
State Auditor Shad White said the map should eliminate Rep. Bennie Thompson’s majority-Black district, prompting House Speaker Jason White to form a redistricting committee for 2027.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, forced 13 Southern states and two jurisdictions to obtain federal preclearance for any change to minority-voting districts, protecting about 2 million Black voters. After the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision ended preclearance, Mississippi’s 2024 May 20 redistricting cancellation—ordered by Governor Tate Reeves and Auditor Shad White—revives VRA concerns and may trigger national lawsuits.

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Story summary

Governor Tate Reeves cancelled the May 20 session after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the order to redraw the Supreme Court districts.
Reeves said Mississippi will pursue congressional redistricting before 2027 and warned it would require nullifying primaries and could set a nationwide precedent.
State Auditor Shad White said the map should eliminate Rep. Bennie Thompson’s majority-Black district, prompting House Speaker Jason White to form a redistricting committee for 2027.

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