Mississippi Senate Minority Leader Derrick Simmons is a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the state’s judicial district maps. The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center, argues that the current North, Central, and South districts dilute Black voters’ influence. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock ordered the legislature to redraw the maps by 2026 or face a court-imposed plan.
In a surprising development, Simmons has been named as one of three Senate conferees tasked with negotiating a new map. The appointment places him at the center of a process he is legally contesting. Simmons is joined by Republican Senators Brice Wiggins and Joey Fillingane, while House conferees include Republicans Kevin Horan, Jansen Owen, and Joey Hood.
Aycock’s ruling concluded the current districts imbalance prevents Black voters from an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. While she did not draw the new map herself, she gave the legislature the first opportunity to correct the violation. Lawmakers face pressure to produce a compliant map during the 2026 session or risk a court order.
The case coincides with ongoing U.S. Supreme Court deliberations on issues related to race-based redistricting. The high court is considering cases that challenge the constitutionality of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and whether private citizens can sue under it. A ruling against such suits could undermine the Mississippi lawsuit.
Simmons finds himself in a delicate position as a litigant negotiating legislation related to a case he is party to. If he supports a legislative plan, it could be used against him and other plaintiffs. If he opposes the plan, it could weaken the state’s position. The state has appealed Aycock’s ruling to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has put the case on hold pending the Supreme Court’s decision. However, the Fifth Circuit has not stayed Aycock’s order, which remains in effect.
Already, Aycock’s ruling has affected upcoming judicial elections, blocking ballots and preventing at least one justice from qualifying for re-election. The situation highlights the complex legal and political challenges surrounding Mississippi’s judicial redistricting efforts.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
