Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has rescinded a special session of the state legislature intended to redraw the state’s Supreme Court districts following a federal court decision. The governor stated that because the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently vacated an order requiring Mississippi to redraw its Supreme Court map under the Voting Rights Act, there is now no need for legislative action.

Reeves explained that while he had previously called for a special session beginning next Wednesday to address the issue, the dissolution of an injunction preventing the use of Mississippi’s current Supreme Court map means the existing map remains valid for all future elections. “I am recalling and dissolving my April 23, 2026, Proclamation which called for a special session,” Reeves said in remarks on SuperTalk radio.

The governor also noted that efforts to redraw congressional districts ahead of the November midterms would face significant challenges. Mississippi’s primary elections for congressional seats occurred earlier this year before the Louisiana v. Callais ruling narrowed key Voting Rights Act protections, prompting several Republican-led states to reconfigure their maps. Reeves warned that immediate redistricting aimed at eliminating Democratic representation in state House races could invalidate primary results and potentially shift competitive dynamics by adding more Democratic voters to already Republican-leaning areas.

Mississippi’s congressional delegation currently includes three Republicans and one Democrat, with Rep. Bennie Thompson holding the lone Democratic seat. Future redistricting efforts would focus on Thompson’s district, Reeves noted. While many in Republican circles have urged the governor to prioritize congressional map changes before November elections, Reeves emphasized that Mississippi’s actions cannot be separated from broader national considerations. “Understand something… I’m going to do what’s in the best interest of Mississippi and I’m going to do what’s in the best interest of America,” he stated, adding that no one is working closer with the White House on congressional redistricting plans than himself.