Wicker: Preserving DeSoto County representation: Against splitting Hernando’s precincts
Note: The following is an opinion-editorial article written and provided by Chad Wicker, Ward 4 Alderman in Hernando. Any opinions expressed are that of the writer and not necessarily those of this publication.
By Chad Wicker
Rumors of a proposed state Senate redistricting plan that would split Hernando’s voting precincts and create a majority-minority district extending into the Mississippi Delta should be a wake-up call for DeSoto County residents. While the proposal may appear to fulfill a superficial sense of equity, it comes at a great cost to Hernando’s voters, who risk losing representation by someone who understands their values and unique needs.
Under this plan, much of Hernando would be placed in a district dominated by the Mississippi Delta—a region with vastly different economic, social, and political realities. Hernando and the Delta face starkly contrasting challenges. DeSoto County, particularly Hernando, is one of Mississippi’s fastest-growing communities, with a thriving economy, suburban development, and growing infrastructure needs. By contrast, the Delta, though culturally rich, faces deep economic struggles, population decline, and a vastly different set of priorities.
If this redistricting plan is implemented, Hernando voters will likely find themselves represented by a liberal Democrat from the Delta, someone whose platform and priorities reflect the needs of their home region rather than DeSoto County. This shift would effectively disenfranchise the conservative voters of Hernando, stripping them of their voice in the legislature and replacing it with a representative unfamiliar with the community’s concerns. The interests of Hernando’s residents—better infrastructure, strong schools, and policies that reflect their conservative values—will likely be drowned out in favor of the Delta’s priorities.
Such a plan risks sowing division where there should be unity. Hernando and DeSoto County have worked hard to grow their communities responsibly while maintaining the quality of life residents cherish. Breaking up the city’s voting precincts and forcing its voters into a majority-minority district stretches the principles of fair representation to their breaking point.
Critics of this plan argue that the creation of a majority-minority district in this manner undermines the fundamental principle of representative democracy: that elected officials should reflect the priorities of their constituents. Forcing Hernando into a district where the voting majority resides in an economically and politically distinct region does a disservice to everyone involved. It denies Delta voters the ability to elect a senator focused entirely on their challenges and denies Hernando voters representation rooted in their community’s values.
This redistricting proposal is not just about maps and demographics—it’s about the future of Hernando and DeSoto County. Will we continue to have a voice in the state legislature that understands our needs and shares our values? Or will we be lumped into a district that forces our concerns to the margins? Hernando deserves better.
Redistricting is inherently political, but it should never come at the expense of fair representation. The proposed plan, as rumored, is neither fair nor beneficial for Hernando’s voters. The people of DeSoto County must stand united in opposition to any redistricting scheme that dilutes their voice and undermines their ability to elect leaders who understand and advocate for their community’s unique needs.
