OPINION: House democrats demand fair maps
By Representative Daryl Porter
JA Guest Writer
We know when every Mississippian’s voice is heard our communities grow stronger. The courts have made it clear. The legislature’s redistricting after the 2020 census falls short of the requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, leaving a vast part of our state with African American voices underrepresented. While we proudly recognize the dedicated work of Representatives Rickey Thompson, Karl Gibbs, Kabir Karriem, and Cheikh Taylor in Northeast Mississippi, representing affected districts, these communities need even greater support to champion their concerns and secure the resources they deserve. Equitable representation in the People’s House isn’t just a procedural matter it’s the foundation for fair, effective advocacy and a government that truly reflects its people.
In line with the court’s mandate, we are calling on House leadership to put an equitable redistricting plan at the forefront – one that truly represents the voters of the Golden Triangle and Hattiesburg.
As the court found, the 2022 maps diluted Black voting power, and Joint Resolution 1, passed with minimal input from our caucus, is a repeat of past, deliberate missteps.
Although the court ruled that new majority-minority districts in these areas are essential, the current proposal makes only miniscule adjustments that don’t capture our state’s real demographics.
We stand firm in our concern that these proposals will fall short of the court’s requirements and that Republican leadership is set on defying this clear directive.
The Mississippi House Democratic Caucus demands a redistricting map that empowers Black voters to choose their representatives and secures clear, fair representation for all. We are committed to an open, collaborative redistricting process – one that brings together community stakeholders and the very lawmakers who will see these changes through.
In this era of so-called government efficiency, let’s be clear, failing to follow the federal court’s order, or adopting half-hearted redistricting plans, will only lead to drawn-out legal disputes and wasted taxpayer dollars.
Our families, our communities, and our future deserve a process that is fair, transparent, and truly reflective of every Mississippian’s interests.
Representative Daryl Porter represents House District 98 in Pike & Walthall counties.
