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Southern states redraw maps in moves that reduce Black representation

politicsMay 8, 2026241,662

Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee have pushed rapid redistricting plans to redraw congressional maps in ways that reduce Black voting power. Mississippi scheduled a special session in its Confederate-era capitol aimed at eliminating the Democratic majority in the one congressional district held by a Black representative. A video captured Tennessee Republicans laughing while officials described map changes intended to dilute Black voting strength. Voting rights advocates say the combined moves would shrink Black opportunity districts across the South, shift more seats toward Republicans and weaken Black voters' ability to elect candidates of choice.

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