Southern Black political power at risk as redistricting accelerates

After the Supreme Court’s ruling that gutted the Voting Rights Act, Southern states are rushing to redraw maps, sparking concern among Black Democrats that majority-Black districts in state legislatures and local bodies could be erased in addition to congressional seats. Analysts warn a significant share of majority-Black districts across 10 Southern states could disappear, threatening funding and policies on infrastructure, education, health care, and economic development. Governors Kemp and Reeves have signaled forthcoming redistricting steps (2028 and 2027 timelines), while activists urge litigation, protests and voter mobilization as part of a multi-year fight to preserve representation.