In Mississippi, Democrats are optimistic about gaining legislative seats following court-ordered redistricting that aims to increase Black voter representation. The state will hold seven special elections on November 4th for legislative seats, with the potential for Democrats to break the Republican supermajority in the State Senate if they flip two seats. This effort is part of a broader strategy to rebuild Democratic influence in the South amid ongoing legal challenges to voting district protections. Notably, Johnny DuPree, the longest-serving mayor of Hattiesburg, is running for a State Senate seat in a district with a majority of Black voters. Despite predictions from Republican leaders that their party’s organizational strength will secure victories, Democrats see these elections as a critical opportunity to influence district maps and voting laws, especially as the Supreme Court considers ending Voting Rights Act protections for majority-Black and Latino districts. Meanwhile, local elections in counties such as Hinds, Rankin, and Madison included races for coroner, judge, and supervisor seats, with some races heading to runoffs. Overall, these elections are viewed as a significant test for Democratic efforts to expand influence in a traditionally red state.