By MDA Staff Writer | October 5, 2026
MISSISSIPPI DELTA — Mississippi lawmakers have completed a statewide series of public hearings as they consider whether to change congressional, legislative and judicial district boundaries.
The Joint Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting held eight hearings between Aug. 18 and Oct. 1. The Delta hearing took place Sept. 1 at Delta State University in Cleveland, while the final session was held Thursday at the State Capitol in Jackson.
Speakers at the final hearing presented sharply different views about whether Mississippi should redraw its districts before the next regular census cycle.
Supporters argued that new boundaries could improve representation. Opponents warned that changing the congressional map could reduce Black voting strength, particularly in the 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of the Mississippi Delta.
The 2nd District is represented by U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi’s only Democratic and only Black member of Congress. State officials have publicly discussed possible changes affecting the district, but lawmakers had not presented a proposed map during the hearing process.
Redistricting determines which communities vote together for representation in Congress, the Legislature and other elected bodies. Moving district boundaries can affect political representation, election administration and the ability of communities with shared interests to elect candidates of their choice.
Completion of the hearings does not itself change any boundaries. Any new map would require legislative action, and proposed lines would be subject to state and federal legal requirements.