Hundreds gather in Mississippi to protest Republican redistricting: ‘This fight is familiar territory’
Summary
Hundreds of people gathered in Jackson, Mississippi, to protest Republican efforts to redraw voting district maps that critics say favor their party. The protest came as a legislative committee held hearings on redistricting following a Supreme Court decision that weakened protections under the Voting Rights Act.Key Facts
- The protest took place across from the Mississippi state capitol building during redistricting hearings.
- The Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v Callais weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, leading to new efforts to redraw maps.
- Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves canceled a special legislative session but called for lawmakers to redraw maps before the 2027 elections.
- The redistricting committee is mostly white and Republican, with 16 Republicans (15 white) and 4 Black Democrats.
- Many speakers at the hearing reminded people of the state's history of voter suppression, including Jim Crow laws and civil rights struggles.
- The hearing room was full, with people watching overflow proceedings on TV screens.
- State Auditor Shad White criticized Mississippi’s only Black Democratic congressman, Bennie Thompson, drawing boos from the audience.
- About 67 people spoke during the hearing, each allowed two minutes to share their views.
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