Case Summary

On July 9, 2018, three Mississippi voters filed a federal lawsuit against Mississippi’s Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General challenging their state Senate district as diluting Black voters’ voting strength in violation of § 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act (“VRA”). They sought a court order requiring the district be redrawn so that Black voters were better able to elect their candidate of choice.

  • On February 13, 2019, the federal district court held the district violated § 2 and ordered it be redrawn, releasing its full opinion and order three days later. Defendants filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit on February 19, 2019.
  • On February 28, 2019, a three-judge 5th Circuit panel affirmed the district court’s decision and approved the state legislature’s remedial plan for use. Defendants subsequently requested a rehearing en banc, which the 5th Circuit granted on September 23, 2019.
  • The en banc 5th Circuit heard oral arguments on January 22, 2020. On June 19, 2020, the 5th Circuit dismissed the case as moot on the grounds the 2019 elections had been held and the map at issue would no longer be used.

Case Library

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi - 3:18-cv-00441

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit - 19-60109

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit - 19-60133