Mississippi lawmakers begin public hearings on redistricting

Mississippi lawmakers have launched a series of public hearings to gather input on the potential redrawing of congressional, state legislative, and state Supreme Court district maps. A joint House and Senate committee, led by Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Jason White, began the process on August 18 at Itawamba Community College.

The push for redistricting follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Louisiana Callais case, which ruled that race cannot be the predominant factor when drawing voter maps. While committee leaders state the hearings are intended to solicit public feedback before making recommendations for a likely special session this fall, some residents have criticized the move. During the initial hearing in Tupelo, speakers characterized the redistricting effort as a ‘power grab’ intended to dilute Black political influence in the state.

The hearings are scheduled to continue across the state through September 24, with stops planned at various community colleges and universities including Northwest Mississippi Community College, Delta State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.