Race-Based Map Mandate STRUCK DOWN Unanimously

(ProsperNews.net) – Federal appeals court unanimously strikes down race-driven redistricting mandate, freeing Mississippi from forced creation of majority-Black Supreme Court districts.

Story Highlights

Fifth Circuit vacates 2025 district court order requiring redraw of 1987 Mississippi Supreme Court districts under Voting Rights Act Section 2.
Ruling follows Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, barring race as predominant redistricting factor.
Unusual joint motion by ACLU plaintiffs and state leads to unanimous vacatur and remand, preserving status quo for 2026 elections.
Governor Tate Reeves calls it a win for equal treatment of all Americans.

Court Vacates Race-Based Redistricting Order

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit unanimously vacated a 2025 liability order from U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock. That order had mandated Mississippi redraw its state Supreme Court districts, established in 1987, to boost Black voting strength. Blacks comprise about 38% of the population. The vacatur stemmed from a joint motion by ACLU of Mississippi plaintiffs and state defendants. This action aligned with recent Supreme Court precedent limiting racial considerations in districting.

Supreme Court Precedent Drives Unanimous Decision

Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in April 2026’s Louisiana v. Callais that race cannot predominate in redistricting under Voting Rights Act Section 2. Previously, Allen v. Milligan in 2023 upheld Section 2 claims but required race not to override traditional criteria. Fifth Circuit applied Callais directly. Parties filed their joint motion in late April 2026. Court granted it on May 10, formally vacating the order by May 11. Case now remands to Aycock’s court for reassessment.

Governor Tate Reeves praised the outcome. He stated both sides jointly requested vacatur post-Callais, calling it a good day for equality principles. ACLU-MS acknowledged the motion grant but plans relitigation. They aim to prove districts unlawful even under stricter Callais standards. This rare alliance averted a special legislative session.

Impacts on Elections and Broader Redistricting Battles

1987 districts remain for 2026 Supreme Court elections. Mississippi Legislature avoids forced redraw, saving time and resources. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann noted Senate readiness if needed. State Rep. Chris White eyes challenges to Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, long seen as racially gerrymandered. Fifth Circuit’s conservative lean, bolstered by Trump appointees, reinforces colorblind districting nationwide.

5th Circuit UNANIMOUSLY VACATES Race-Based Redistricting Order – Mississippi NO LONGER Forced to Draw Woke Majority-Black Supreme Court Districts | The Gateway Pundit | by Jim Hᴏft https://t.co/zXShwI9thF

— greatest (@Huaso1960) May 12, 2026

Ruling signals shift against race-primary maps in Deep South states like Texas and Louisiana. It upholds individual liberty by rejecting quotas over equal treatment. Both conservatives and progressives frustrated with elite-driven divisions may see this as restoring fairness. Status quo preserves GOP legislative power while Black voters retain current influence amid potential future litigation.