Mississippi Delays Redistricting as Reeves Promises End to Thompson's Reign

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves canceled a planned special session to redraw districts after a federal court ruled a majority-Black district was no longer required, while urging lawmakers to redraw legislative, Supreme Court, and congressional maps before the 2027 elections. He also vowed that Rep. Bennie Thompson’s 2nd District—the state's only Black seat—’reign of terror’ will end. Republicans have floated eliminating Thompson’s district amid broader debates over voting-power maps, even as Democrats press for transparency and protections for Black representation. The backdrop includes a 2025 court-ordered redrawing to boost Black voting power and a 2026 Supreme Court ruling weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which could roll back those gains as maps are reconsidered.