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Mississippi Preseason All-State: Pitcher Reports

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Mississippi Preseason All-State: Pitcher Reports



Matt Miller
State Director

 

CLINTON, MS – The Mississippi Preseason All-State was held on Saturday, January 27th at Clinton High School in Clinton, MS. This event was an invote-only event that consisted of some prospects from the 2024-2028 classes across all parts of Mississippi. These players went through extended pro-style workout that included batting practice using Trackman, and much more. Pitchers were able to throw bullpens and were able to get numbers and metrics via TrackMan. There were some players who showed up and continued to build off of prior performances, but there were also some new names who jumped onto our radar with a strong showing at the event.

Concluding our post-event coverage for this event, we take a look back at the scouting reports from the event. Lastly, we look at all pitchers who attneded the Mississippi Preseason All-State.

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PITCHER REPORTS

Rece Atkinson, Leake Academy (MS), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-3, 192-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth and synced up tempo.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action.
FB: T85, 83-85 mph. Arm side run. T2054, 1978 average rpm.
SL: 72-73 mph. Good sweeping action. T1933, 1893 average rpm.
CH: 80-82 mph. Plus change. Really solid pitch for him. T1546, 1464 average rpm.

Sawyer Bates, Canton Academy (MS), 2025 East Central CC
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-0, 191-pounds.
Delivery: Easy tempo.
Arm Action: LH. More of a 3/4 strike.
FB: T81, 77-80 mph. Arm side run. T1800, 1736 average rpm.
SL: 67-71 mph. Good bite on the slider. T2179, 2051 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Starting to develop feel but still working on command. T1549, 1470 average rpm.
ATH: 7.01 runner in the 60. 1.74 and 3.92 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Cayden Berryhill, Pearl (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 146-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth tempo. Slightly off line to 1B side.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action out of the 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Good arm side run. T2401, 2240 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. Good spin on the pitch. T1908, 1565 average rpm.
CH: 76-77 mph. Dies at the plate. Still needs a little more command. T1710, 1609 average rpm.
ATH: 7.18 runner in the 60. 1.77 and 4.03 in the 10 and 30 yard splits. 27.70 max vertical.

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Corbyn Clayton, Pontotoc City (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-8, 128-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth and synced up delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Quick arm.
FB: T84, 83-84 mph. Plus fastball. T2144, 2081 average rpm.
SL: 72-77 mph. Good spin on the slider with excellent command. T2396, 2316 average rpm.
CH: 78-80 mph. Good change with arm side drop. T2114, 1908 average rpm.
ATH: 7.24 runner in the 60. 1.79 and 4.01 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Drew Davis, Sumrall (MS), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Quicker tempo with good direction to the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Quick arm out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T88, 85-87 mph. Plus fastball with good velocity for a still developing arm. T2400, 2338 average rpm.
CB: 74-75 mph. Good bite on the curveball. T2939, 2731 average rpm.
CH: 79-81 mph. Still getting a feel for this pitch. T1814, 1723 average rpm.
ATH: 7.00 runner in the 60. 1.73 and 3.90 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Kaleb Dunn, Magnolia Heights (MS), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 183-pounds.
Delivery: Easy tempo
Arm Action: RH. Longer arm action
FB: T76, 75-76 mph. Some arm side run with developing command. T1521, 1407 average rpm.
SL: 65-69 mph. Still feeling out the slider. T1987, 1625 average rpm.
CH: 68-69 mph. Dies at the plate but still getting a feel for the pitch. T1706, 1665 average rpm.
ATH: 7.39 runner in the 60. 1.83 and 4.12 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Kevin Landry Farr, Northpoint Christian (AR), 2025 Arkansas
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 183-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth and synced deliver with good direciton to the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Quick, 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T87, 86-87 mph. Plus fastball with solid run. T2542, 2448 average rpm.
SL: 78-80 mph. Good spin and feel on slider. T2547, 2523 average rpm.
CH: 80-82 mph. Good arm side action. Could use more work on command. T1747, 1590 average rpm.

Tyner Flynt, Presbyterian Christian (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth and synced up deliver.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action.
FB: T85, 82-85 mph. Solid arm side run on fastball. T1891, 1845 average rpm.
CB: 71-72 mph. Good movement. Developing command. T1918, 1755 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Good pitch for him. Dies at the plate with some arm side run. T1790, 1773 average rpm.
ATH: 7.36 runner in the 60. 1.83 and 4.13 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

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Kellen Garcia, Sumrall (MS), 2025
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 139-pounds.
Delivery: Easy tempo with good direction.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action with good extension.
FB: T82, 79-81 mph. Arm side run. T1986, 1887 average rpm.
SL: 67-72 mph. Good feel for the slider. T2273, 2253 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Still working on command but shows it can be a plus pitch for him. T1714, 1537 average rpm.
ATH: 6.93 runner in the 60. 1.73 and 3.91 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Brady Holmes, Clinton (MS), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-10, 152-pounds.
Delivery: Slightly choppy tempo but good direction and extension to the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action.
FB: T78, 75-77 mph. Solid arm side run but needs work with command. T1903, 1657 average rpm.
SL: 64-67 mph. Good movement on the breaking ball. T1902, 1816 average rpm.
CH: 71-72 mph. Still working on feel for the change. T1201, 1144 average rpm.

Matthew McKinley, Jackson Prep (MS), 2025
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-9, 213-pounds.
Delivery: Easy tempo, cuts off finish.
Arm Action: LH. Short, quick arm action.
FB: T78, 77-78 mph. Arm side run T1801, 1701 average rpm.
CB: 63-66 mph. Good movement, still trying to get a feel for command. T1952, 1826 average rpm.
SL: 68-68 mph. Good bite and feel. T1859, 1843 average rpm.
CH: 70-71 mph. Showed good control. Good pitch for him. T1321, 1253 average rpm.

Jackson Meehan, Northwest Rankin (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-1, 179-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth and synced up delivery. Falls off some towards 1B.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action wit some whip.
FB: T84, 81-84 mph. Plus fastball. Showed excellent command. T2115, 2056 average rpm.
SL: 71-74 mph. Good bite and feel for the breaking ball. T2205, 2082 average rpm.
CH: 77-77 mph. Dies at the plate but still working on feel. T1618, 1467 average rpm.
ATH: 7.26 runner in the 60. 1.76 and 4.03 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Samuel Miller, Jackson Prep (MS), 2027
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-9, 157-pounds.
Delivery: Slightly choppy delivery with some fall off to 1B side.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Good fastball with a developing arm. T2095, 1971 average rpm.
CB: 66-69 mph. Good spin on the breaking ball. T2332, 2284 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Complements the fastball well. Still feeling for command. T1679, 1605 average rpm.
CUT: 75-77 mph.
ATH: 7.84 runner in the 60. 1.92 and 4.36 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

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Aiden Peets, Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 173-pounds.
Delivery: Slightly choppy delivery. Falls off some towards 1B side.
Arm Action: RH. Quick, loose arm action.
FB: T83, 80-82 mph. Good fastball. Mostly straight with a little bit of cut late. T2057, 1973 average rpm.
CB: 70-72 mph. Good bite with excellent feel. T1872, 1819 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Still developing feel for the change. T1282, 1212 average rpm.
ATH: 7.18 runner in the 60. 1.75 and 4.00 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Cayden Prestage, Itawamba (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-7, 168-pounds.
Delivery: Easy tempo.
Arm Action: LH. Loose arm action. Cuts off finish.
FB: T85, 80-84 mph. Plus fastball and solid feel for command. T1899, 1746 average rpm.
CB: 69-71 mph. Good downward motion. T2004, 1897 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Plus change. Will complement fastball well with good command. T1354, 1272 average rpm.
KN: 66-69 mph.
ATH: 7.29 runner in the 60. 1.77 and 4.04 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Wes Pritchard, Lamar School (MS), 2024 East Central CC
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Easy tempo. Falls off towards 3B side.
Arm Action: LH. Loose arm action from 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Good fastball with some arm side run. T2240, 2061 average rpm.
CB: 64-67 mph. Plus curve. T2137, 2076 average rpm.
CH: 71-72 mph. Dies at the plate. Showed good feel for the pitch. T2050, 1749 average rpm.

Wyatt Pyron, Biloxi (MS), 2025
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 198-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth tempo.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action with good extension to the plate.
FB: T83, 81-83 mph. Mostly straight fastball. T2139, 2040 average rpm.
CB: 71-73 mph. Showed good command with bite. T2360, 2199 average rpm.
CH: 76-77 mph. Plus change with good command. T1357, 1323 average rpm.
ATH: 7.36 runner in the 60. 1.86 and 4.15 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Tucker Rice, Madison Central (MS), 2027
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-11, 151-pounds.
Delivery: Quick, synced up tempo.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action with good extension to the plate.
FB: T87, 83-87 mph. Solid fastball with slight run to the arm side. T2229, 2179 average rpm.
CB: 72-73 mph. Exceptional feel for the breaking ball. Good bite to the glove side. T1980, 1812 average rpm.
CH: 78-80 mph. Still feeling out change but still a good pitch to complement fastball. T1663, 1565 average rpm.
ATH: 7.01 runner in the 60. 1.69 and 3.90 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

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Brody Roberts, Manchester Academy (MS), 2025
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-10, 203-pounds.
Delivery: Slightly choppy, quick tempo.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action out of the 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 81-82 mph. Arm side run. T1922, 1805 average rpm.
SL: 73-76 mph. Good spin on the slider. Showed good command. T2494, 2397 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Solid arm side drop on the change. Will work well with FB and against LH hitters. T1912, 1850 average rpm.
ATH: 7.83 runner in the 60. 1.84 and 4.30 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Austin Sanders, Pisgah (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Worked out of the stretch. Pulled off slightly towards 1B.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action out of the high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 75-78 mph. Mostly straight fastball with slight arm side run. T2146, 2062 average rpm.
CB: 64-65 mph. Good bite on breaking ball with good command. T1928, 1884 average rpm.
CH: 69-71 mph. Still feeling out change. T1338, 1222 average rpm.
ATH: 7.84 runner in the 60. 1.91 and 4.36 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Ryan Saxton, Clinton (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 5-10, 190-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth tempo
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action.
FB: T79, 77-79 mph. Still feeling out command for this pitch. T1966, 1830 average rpm.
SL: 68-71 mph. Good slider. Releasing a little high but good pitch when he finds command. T1952, 1902 average rpm.
CH: 74-75 mph. Developing command. T1717, 1619 average rpm.
ATH: 7.99 runner in the 60. 1.89 and 4.36 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Aidan Strong, Itawamba Agricultual (MS), 2026
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 183-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth and synced up delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 78-82 mph. Struggled with command but has good arm side run. T2098, 2016 average rpm.
CB: 63-64 mph. Good 11-5 movement. T2164, 2069 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. Showed comforatbility with this pitch. Good command and movement. T1938, 1882 average rpm.
CH: 71-74 mph. Complements fastball well. T1597, 1459 average rpm.
ATH: 7.63 runner in the 60. 1.83 and 4.19 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

Cadyn Williamson, Sumrall (MS), 2025
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-9, 144-pounds.
Delivery: Easy tempo
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action.
FB: T80, 75-79 mph. Solid fastball with some arm side run. T1994, 1911 average rpm.
CB: 63-64 mph. Still feeling out the breaking ball. T1682, 1574 average rpm.
CH: 69-71 mph. Showed good feel and command. Works with fastball well. T1547, 1521 average rpm.
ATH: 7.03 runner in the 60. 1.69 and 3.93 in the 10 and 30 yard splits.

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Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for June 2, 2026

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Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for June 2, 2026


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The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:

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Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from June 2 drawing

05-14-16-33-35

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 3-3-8, FB: 5

Evening: 6-9-5, FB: 7

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 6-0-4-9, FB: 5

Evening: 2-8-1-0, FB: 7

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 08

Evening: 03

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Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

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Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

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If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

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Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

  • Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
  • Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
  • Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Jackson mayor claims victory after water authority ruling. What he said

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Jackson mayor claims victory after water authority ruling. What he said


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  • A federal judge issued a split ruling on a new state law creating the Metro Jackson Water Authority.
  • The judge blocked the new authority from taking substantive actions while Jackson’s water system is under federal oversight.
  • Jackson Mayor John Horhn claimed the ruling as a victory, validating the city’s concerns about a state takeover.
  • The judge did not strike down the law itself, leaving the question of future control of the water system unresolved.

Jackson Mayor John Horhn claimed victory in the city’s legal fight against Mississippi’s new Metro Jackson Water Authority, arguing a federal judge’s latest ruling validates Jackson’s concerns about state lawmakers trying to influence the future of the city’s water system.

During a press conference at City Hall Tuesday, June 2, Horhn pointed to U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate’s decision to block the authority from naming a president, entering lease agreements or taking other substantive actions while Jackson’s water and sewer systems remain under federal oversight.

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“What we’re thankful of is that the judge seems to agree with us,” Horhn said. “House Bill 1677 appeared to try to subvert the authority of the federal court.”

The comments come one day after Wingate issued a split ruling on the controversial law. While the judge declined to block House Bill 1677 outright, he also barred the Metro Jackson Water Authority from taking operational action beyond seating board members while the federal court continues overseeing Jackson’s water and sewer systems.

But Wingate’s ruling did not strike down House Bill 1677. It was more of a split ruling.

The judge agreed with arguments made by the state, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and JXN Water that the law itself does not automatically transfer control of Jackson’s water and sewer systems because any future takeover remains subject to federal court approval.

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That leaves open a question: If the law remains on the books, could the Metro Jackson Water Authority simply remain in place until federal oversight ends and then assume control of the systems?

Horhn was asked that question directly Tuesday.

In response, Horhn focused on portions of the ruling that prevent the authority from naming a president who would serve as a deputy to JXN Water leader and Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin. Horhn also pointed to Wingate blocking movement on any lease agreements until the court decides how the eventual transition away from federal oversight should occur.

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“Two major points of the judge’s ruling are that he enjoined the state and the authority if it does start taking action from being able to name a president who would become the second in command of JXN Water,” Horhn said. “The other thing is that he enjoined any action on a lease being entered into until such time as he has had a chance to deliberate and decide what the future path ought to be.”

Horhn’s answer suggested he believes the ruling leaves room for other options besides simply allowing House Bill 1677 to take effect once federal oversight ends.

“What the judge has said to us for a number of months is that he wants to see a transition plan,” Horhn said.

The mayor said city officials have already begun discussions with JXN Water about what that transition plan could look like.

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“We have begun discussions with JXN Water to have meaningful conversations with them about putting such a transition plan forward,” Horhn said. “At this point, the actions of the city are focused on working with Jackson Water to try to come up with a transition plan that might be approved by the judge.”

Under existing court orders, JXN Water is expected to develop a formal transition plan that must ultimately be approved by Wingate.

When asked whether the city could pursue its own water authority rather than the state-created Metro Jackson Water Authority, Horhn pointed to existing Mississippi law allowing municipalities to create utility districts.

“For a number of years, there has been state statutory authority for municipalities to establish municipal utility districts,” Horhn said. “We have made that presentation before the judge, and as I understand it, he’s taking it under advisory.”

Horhn did not elaborate on whether the city is actively pursuing that option, but the comments suggest Jackson may continue advocating for alternatives to House Bill 1677 as discussions about a post-receivership transition continue.

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Additionally, Horhn reiterated his long-standing position that Jackson should maintain majority control over any future governing body overseeing the city’s water and wastewater systems.

“We don’t mind participation and involvement by the state of Mississippi,” Horhn said. “But any future governance of the City of Jackson’s water and wastewater system must have the City of Jackson having the majority of control.”

Horhn said Jackson’s position has never been that the state should be excluded entirely.

“What I have said is that we don’t mind participation and involvement by the state of Mississippi,” Horhn said. “But any future governance of the City of Jackson’s water and wastewater system must have the City of Jackson having the majority of control on any future boards or authorities that would be created.”

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Horhn said Jackson opposed House Bill 1677 because it would have allowed state and suburban appointees to outnumber city representatives on the authority’s governing board.

“We don’t mind if you want to have some involvement, but not control,” Horhn said.

The mayor also argued the legislation ignored concerns repeatedly raised by Jackson officials during the legislative process.

“House Bill 1677 was a classic example of the state not listening to the local interests of the City of Jackson,” Horhn said.

Overall, Wingate’s 22-page order on Monday, June 1, was something of a split decision. Jackson persuaded Wingate to freeze many of the authority’s powers, but the state successfully defended the law itself from being blocked outright. The larger question of who will ultimately control Jackson’s water system remains unresolved. For now, Wingate remains in the driver’s seat.

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“The parties should all accept that this state statute cannot force this court’s hand, nor dictate the calendar of this litigation,” Wingate wrote.

Charlie Drape, the Jackson beat reporter, has covered the Jackson water crisis from its collapse in 2022 through the system’s ongoing recovery, including independent testing and other accountability reporting. You can contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.



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How SCOTUS Callais Ruling Erased a Mississippi Voting Rights Victory

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How SCOTUS Callais Ruling Erased a Mississippi Voting Rights Victory


In 2022, Dyamone White, then in her late 20s, filed a lawsuit in federal court arguing that Black voters like her didn’t have a fair chance to elect justices to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Three years later, she won a significant victory. A federal judge ruled that Mississippi Supreme Court election districts violated the Voting Rights Act and that Black candidates who wanted to run for the state’s highest court were unlikely to succeed. U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock instructed lawmakers to draw a new map to give Black voters more power, with court-ordered special elections to follow, likely this fall.

“WE WON,” White wrote in a social media post that day in August 2025. “This isn’t just a personal victory — it’s a win for every Mississippian who has waited too long for fair representation. I became a plaintiff because I refused to accept that our state’s highest court could exclude the very people it serves. Today, that changes.”

But that change still hasn’t happened — and a recent seismic ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court means it may never happen.

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In late April, the conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Louisiana v. Callais that dramatically weakened the Voting Rights Act, making it much harder for racial minorities to win voting discrimination lawsuits.

The decision further intensified a mid-decade redistricting war that’s been spreading across the country ahead of the congressional elections in the fall. But the decision affects politics beyond the federal level. The now-upended court battle about Mississippi’s judicial elections will serve as an early test of whether voting rights plaintiffs can still mount a convincing case in some circumstances.

Earlier this month, a federal appeals court vacated Aycock’s ruling from last year after the plaintiffs and defendants agreed that the Callais decision had dramatically changed the legal landscape.

That removed the state’s obligation to draw a new court map. It also eliminated the possibility that the state would hold special elections for its Supreme Court seats this fall, ending Black voters’ hope that 2026 may yield fairer representation at the top of the state’s judiciary. The case will now head back to Aycock’s court for new arguments under the higher standard created by the Callais decision.

The plaintiffs still see a path forward to win new maps. Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center argue on behalf of White and her fellow plaintiffs that they can still prevail under that new standard.

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Looking to the court battles ahead, White is also looking back. She is from the tiny town of Edwards, a rural community near the state’s capital city region, and she recites its history of Black resistance to oppression, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement and beyond.

“It’s an area that is resilient,” White said. “The people I grew up around, they were all fighters.”

Dyamone White with Reuben Anderson, the first Black justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court, in 2024.

The Voting Rights Act, passed in 1965, was a key tool in dismantling the Jim Crow regime of White supremacy that blocked Black residents from ballot box access in Mississippi and across the South.

Among other provisions, the law prohibited states from diluting the voting power of racial minorities and required that those voters have an opportunity to elect candidates of their choosing.

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So, with Callais decided, what’s changed?

When plaintiffs filed suit over the Mississippi Supreme Court voting districts in 2022, they had to show a violation of the law only by pointing to discriminatory effects of the voting districts in use, regardless of what the original architects of those districts may have intended.

Those effects? Black people make up about 38% of Mississippi’s population, but the state has just one Black justice currently sitting on its nine-member Supreme Court. Only four Black justices have ever been on the court, all serving since 1985 and never more than one at a time. All four first reached the court through a gubernatorial appointment to fill a vacancy.

That has meant very little Black representation on a body that interprets state laws and the state constitution, hears appeals in criminal and civil cases and has some control over the operations of lower courts.

With no need to delve into the intention of the legislators who created the current districts in the late 1980s, Aycock, a George W. Bush appointee, ruled that the Mississippi Supreme Court districts as drawn have the effect of diluting Black voting power, violating the Voting Rights Act.

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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s majority opinion in the Callais case, however, sets a higher standard. A Voting Rights Act violation may now be found “only when circumstances give rise to a strong inference that intentional discrimination occurred.”

Legal experts have said that proving intentional discrimination is challenging — made even more difficult by the Alito opinion’s endorsement of partisan gerrymandering as a legitimate purpose of redistricting. The conservative justice wrote that states can now defend themselves against race dilution claims by arguing that Black districts are being eliminated not because of racist motivations but partisan ones since Black voters have typically supported Democratic candidates.

States like Louisiana and Tennessee have moved to quickly eliminate Black-majority Congressional districts. They will likely defend their new maps as partisan gerrymanders, not racially motivated ones.

“It’s going to be just lightning-strike rare for a Voting Rights Act claim to work where partisanship is permitted,” said Justin Levitt, a former Department of Justice official and election law expert who teaches at Loyola Marymount University Law School.

However, Mississippi Supreme Court elections are nonpartisan, and that may make a meaningful difference in the current litigation, said Amir Badat, a civil rights lawyer who has argued a number of voting rights claims in the state.

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Badat said that even under Callais, lawmakers may not be able to hide behind partisan intent to shield themselves from judicial scrutiny.

“In this kind of narrow circumstance, you still have viable Section 2 claims,” said Badat, referencing the section of the Voting Rights Act that bans discriminatory election practices.

Levitt agrees that voting rights cases in nonpartisan elections may still be possible to win under Callais, though he added that the overall impact of the decision likely makes even those cases quite difficult.

While the legal standard may have changed, White, the lawsuit’s lead plaintiff, says one thing has not: The reality faced by Black voters who want to see a fair state Supreme Court map.

“We laid out the facts of representation in the state. You can’t deny that, “ White said. “We can go back to court again, and the facts remain the same. Representation is not equal.”

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This article was produced in collaboration with Bolts, a nonprofit publication that covers criminal justice and voting rights in local governments; sign up for their newsletter.



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