Story perspectives

Mississippi Gov. Reeves to Redraw 2nd District, Sparks VRA Outcry

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Tate Reeves announced he will redraw Mississippi’s 2nd district by 2027 elections, calling Rep. Bennie Thompson’s tenure a “reign of terror.”
He said the change would nullify primaries, could set a precedent, and follows Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision that gutted Section 2 of Voting Rights Act.
Thompson warned the plan threatens Voting Rights Act gains and vowed to fight, as Black leaders demanded transparency and warned of disenfranchisement.

History

Historical Context

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act on August 6 1965, banning racial voting discrimination and requiring preclearance. Supreme Court eliminated that formula in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) and weakened Section 2 in Louisiana v. Callais (2026). Governor Tate Reeves’ 2024 plan to redraw Mississippi’s 2nd district faces a lawsuit by Rep. Bennie Thompson, while Justice Department’s $1.5 billion funding underscores stakes.

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Story summary

Governor Tate Reeves announced he will redraw Mississippi’s 2nd district by 2027 elections, calling Rep. Bennie Thompson’s tenure a “reign of terror.”
He said the change would nullify primaries, could set a precedent, and follows Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision that gutted Section 2 of Voting Rights Act.
Thompson warned the plan threatens Voting Rights Act gains and vowed to fight, as Black leaders demanded transparency and warned of disenfranchisement.

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