In Mississippi, five House seats are set to be re-evaluated in a special election scheduled for November, pending judicial consent, following the passage of a resolution by the House aimed at adhering to a federal court ruling.
Despite a recent election for the legislature in 2023, these races will occur again due to a ruling by a three-judge federal panel. The panel concluded that the state had not established enough Black-majority districts during the recent redistricting process.
The court’s directive required Mississippi to redraw its electoral maps and introduce a new majority-Black district located in Chickasaw County in the northern part of the state. House Elections Chairman Noah Sanford, a Republican from Collins, expressed confidence that the newly proposed map aligns with the federal Voting Rights Act and enhances the ability for Black voters in Chickasaw County to elect their preferred candidates.
Sanford remarked, “I aimed to minimize the number of affected members.” Notably, the revised House plan ensures that current legislators will not face off against one another. The primary modification involves transforming the District 22 seat in Chickasaw County, which is currently occupied by Republican Representative Jon Lancaster, who is white, into a district with a majority-Black voter population.
In addition to District 22, four other House districts will be adjusted, which include:
1. House District 16, currently represented by Rep. Rickey Thompson, D-Shannon
2. House District 36, represented by Karl Gibbs, D-West Point
3. House District 39, held by Dana McLean, R-Columbus
4. House District 41, represented by Kabir Karriem, D-Columbus
Lancaster has stated he prefers to refrain from commenting on the newly proposed maps, citing ongoing litigation concerning the legislative districts, and he remains uncertain about running in the upcoming special election.
The new legislation stipulates that the qualifying period for candidates will take place from May 19 through May 30. The primary election is slated for August 5, with a potential runoff on September 2, and the general election anticipated on November 4.
Additionally, federal courts have mandated that the state Senate also redraw its districts to incorporate a new majority-Black district in the areas surrounding DeSoto County and Hattiesburg. Senate Rules Chairman Dean Kirby, a Republican from Pearl, has proposed a measure to revise certain Senate districts but mentioned that he is still refining the details. He remains uncertain about when the Rules Committee will conduct discussions regarding the proposal.
Upon completion of the redistricting plan by the legislature, it will need to be submitted for approval by federal courts.
