Fiery crowd caps Mississippi redistricting hearings. Opponents urge: ‘Leave our maps alone’

A heated redistricting hearing at Mississippi's Capitol on Thursday saw a large audience criticize what they perceived as an attempt to diminish Black political power and strengthen Republican dominance. The hearing, which took place in Jackson, was the culmination of a series of fiery public hearings that began in August and traveled throughout the state.

Opponents of redistricting wore T-shirts emblazoned with "I FIGHT FOR VOTING RIGHTS" and carried placards, while pro-redistricting attendees in red blazers of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women were in the front row. The committee, chosen by legislative leaders, was 16 Republicans, mostly white, and 4 Democrats, all Black.

Walter Boone, a Jackson resident, warned against continuing a pattern of policymaking that harms Black residents. Republican State Auditor Shad White argued that the state needed better leadership in the Delta, criticizing a Black member of Congress. The committee chairman threatened to adjourn the hearing when White made comments disparaging another person, leading to a heated exchange.