Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced he will call a special session to address redistricting efforts, citing unresolved legal issues. The session will occur 21 days after the U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision in the Callais case, which could significantly impact how electoral maps are drawn in the state.
Reeves stated that during the recent legislative session, lawmakers discussed creating new maps in response to a federal judge’s order from the Northern District of Mississippi. That order has been appealed to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the appeal is currently stayed pending a decision from the Supreme Court.
The governor emphasized that the Supreme Court’s ruling could change the redistricting process permanently. He argued that Mississippi’s legislature should have the opportunity to draw maps once the legal landscape is clearer, as federal law grants them this right.
Reeves expressed hope that the Supreme Court will reaffirm the principle of equality and reject race-based classifications in redistricting. The special session will be scheduled based on the timing of the court’s decision, which Reeves believes will clarify the rules for redistricting in Mississippi.
