House Democrats face a conundrum — they are optimistic about retaking the majority in the midterms, but with redistricting reshuffling the map it means Southern lawmakers’ power will be greatly diminished.
Bracing for the loss of some of their colleagues, Black Democrats from the South are appealing to leadership to help the region maintain power and influence in the caucus, even if its numbers shrink.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, the only Democrat in the Mississippi delegation, dodged a potential forced retirement last month when Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves canceled a special legislative session meant to redraw the state’s maps in Republicans’ favor. But legislators Republicans have suggested they’ll draw out Thompson’s 2nd Congressional District, eventually.