The ACLU in Mississippi has submitted a proposal for redrawing the state’s legislative districts, which includes creating two new majority-Black Senate districts and putting two pairs of incumbent senators against each other. The plan aims to meet court requirements and federal laws while accommodating new majority-Black districts in DeSoto County and Hattiesburg. The proposal also affects House districts, making one currently held by a white Republican a majority-Black voter district.
This proposal stems from a successful legal challenge against the state Legislature’s 2022 district maps, which were found to dilute Black voting strength. A federal court ordered the state to create more majority-Black districts and hold special elections in impacted areas this year. The Legislature has yet to release their redistricting plan, but Senate leaders are reportedly close to doing so.
While only a couple of districts will significantly change, many will need to be tweaked to accommodate the new maps. The ACLU’s proposal serves as an alternative plan should they object to the state’s final plan, which must be adopted by the conclusion of the 2025 session. Overall, the redistricting process in Mississippi is ongoing and aims to ensure fair representation for all voters.
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