Mississippi Lawmakers Initiate Redistricting After Supreme Court Ruling

Mississippi’s Joint Redistricting and Reapportionment Committee held its first meeting this week to begin revising legislative, congressional and judicial district maps. The committee announced eight public hearings across the state in August and September and approved hiring attorneys from Butler Snow as general counsel. Republican Sen. Dean Kirby was elected chair, and Rep. Noah Sanford named vice-chair.

UsNews and World Report

The effort follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in *Louisiana v. Callais*, which weakened minority-voting protections under the Voting Rights Act. The ruling has prompted Mississippi to reassess district lines drawn to preserve majority-Black districts added in 2025.

UsNews and World Report

• First committee meeting: Monday at the state Capitol.

UsNews and World Report

• Public hearing series: Eight hearings in August and September, each beginning at 6 p.m. in locations ranging from community colleges to the Capitol.

Clarion Ledger

• Special legislative session: Gov. Tate Reeves indicated a special session on redistricting is likely before year-end.

Clarion Ledger

• Committee composition: 20 lawmakers (16 Republicans, 4 Democrats).

UsNews and World Report

• Leadership: Chair Dean Kirby (R-Pearl) and Vice-Chair Noah Sanford (R-Collins).

UsNews and World Report

• Legal support: Butler Snow retained as general counsel.

Mississippi begins redistricting process after Supreme Court ruling

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann declined to specify which districts might be prioritized, emphasizing the need to complete the committee’s work and hear public input. Sen. Jeremy England described the undertaking as “a clean slate” and said the immediate priority is the state legislative and Supreme Court district maps, with congressional maps considered later. Gov. Reeves signaled a special session will likely be called before year-end.

Clarion Ledger

• “I don’t want to pre-suppose anything,” — Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann

UsNews and World Report

• “At its core, this process is an effort to diminish Black political power,” — Amir Badat, Fair Fight Action

UsNews and World Report

• “It's basically a clean slate, from what I understand,” — Sen. Jeremy England

Clarion Ledger

The committee will gather public input during the hearings before drafting revised maps. If the legislature proceeds, the maps must be approved by both chambers. A special session anticipated before the end of the year could accelerate adoption of new legislative and Supreme Court district boundaries, and potentially congressional maps, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Clarion Ledger