JACKSON, MS — Mississippi Democrats appear to have broken the Republican supermajority in the state Senate, winning two GOP-held seats in districts redrawn under a federal court order to strengthen Black voter representation. Unofficial results show Democrats ahead, though absentee ballots may still affect totals before final certification on November 14.
The victories mark a notable shift in the deep-red state, where Republicans have held a two-thirds Senate majority since 2019. With the new gains, Democrats will now prevent GOP lawmakers from unilaterally overriding gubernatorial vetoes or pushing through constitutional amendments.
“Breaking the supermajority means restoring checks and balances — and ensuring that every Mississippian’s voice counts,” said Jodie Brown, vice chair of the Mississippi Democratic Party.
The court-mandated redistricting followed a ruling that Mississippi’s 2022 map diluted Black voting power. Judges ordered the creation of new majority-Black districts in DeSoto County, Hattiesburg, and northeastern Mississippi.
Republican Party Chairman Mike Hurst criticized the outcome, calling the redrawn maps “gerrymandered” and arguing they unfairly favored Democrats. Still, Republicans will retain at least a three-fifths majority, enough to pass budget and tax measures.
Democrats hailed the result as a foundation for future progress. “The path to power in states takes time to build,” said Heather Williams of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. “It starts by breaking Republican supermajorities.”
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