Supreme Court Decision Sparks Redistricting Battles Over Black Representation in the South

In May 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court issued its *Louisiana v. Callais* decision, narrowing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The ruling eliminated the preclearance requirement that had forced courts to review state redistricting for racial bias, opening the door for immediate map changes.

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Mississippi’s Black voter registration rose from 6.7 % in 1964 after the 1965 VRA, enabling the election of Robert G. Clark Jr. in 1967. Today the state is about 38 % Black, the highest share nationwide, and Rep. Bennie Thompson’s 2nd district spans nearly 300 miles, lacks public transit, and forces travel to Memphis or Baton Rouge. Tennessee’s former 9th district, the only majority-Black congressional seat in the state, has been split among three districts that extend into predominantly white rural areas.

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After the *Callais* ruling, governors Ron DeSantis (FL), Bill Lee (TN) and Tate Reeves (MS) called special sessions. Tennessee’s legislature approved a new map within 48 hours, dismantling Memphis’s 9th district. Florida’s governor signed a revised map, and Alabama’s GOP prepared maps pending court review. In Mississippi, agriculture commissioner Andy Gipson and auditor Shad White urged a redraw of Thompson’s district; Reeves later rescinded his session.

The Guardian

Rep. Thompson said the VRA had “leveled the playing field” and warned that rapid redistricting could erode Black representation. Gov. Reeves called the push a “reign of terror.” The NAACP’s complaint alleges Tennessee’s map was drawn without census data or court order to “crack” Black voting strength.

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Republicans argue the maps rely on census data and serve partisan balance, rejecting racial intent. The NAACP and the complaint maintain the redistricting deliberately dilutes Black voting power; courts have not ruled.

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• “It is not a question of if, it’s a question of when,” — Gov. Tate Reeves, on redrawing Mississippi’s map.

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• “The good thing about running for public office is it gives people a choice. When you give people a choice and don’t take that right away from them, they’ll vote in their best interest.” — Rep. Bennie Thompson.

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• “This lawsuit goes to the heart of our democracy. Tennessee lawmakers made a deliberate choice to silence Black voters by dismantling a district that has long ensured representation for one of the state’s largest Black populations,” — Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO.

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• “This is not just about lines on a map — it is about whether Black voters will have a fair and equal voice in our electoral system,” — Kristen Clarke, NAACP General Counsel.

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The Tennessee case proceeds toward a preliminary injunction, while Mississippi’s redistricting timetable remains uncertain. Civil-rights groups are expanding voter outreach, and further lawsuits are anticipated.

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