JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT.) – A North Jackson lawmaker decided to quit her party following a vote regarding the House Congressional redistricting plans.
Thursday’s announcement by Shanda Yates, District 64 Representative, was made to let the Democratic Party know that she was leaving. She stated that this was necessary so that she could better represent her constituents.
Yates was elected a Democrat in 2019. She defeated Bill Denny, a long-serving Republican incumbent.
She was vice-chair of House Democratic Delegation for Jackson.
This announcement came less than one week after she split ranks with her fellow Democrats to vote for a plan that expands Rep. Bennie’s district to take in almost 40 percent of the state.
Yates stated that some members of my caucus within Democratic Party made it clear to me that I was not welcome within the party or caucus. In an effort to allow them to do what they wanted, I agreed to step aside.
After speaking with her constituents Yates voted in support of the Republican plan.
Yates represents Northeast Jackson, South Madison County and the Barnett Reservoir.
Many residents expressed disapproval at being part of District 2, which is a long-standing Democratic stronghold.
The Democratic redistricting proposal would have moved those residents into District 2, unlike the Republican plan that expanded District 2 substantially to the north and south.
It wasn’t that anyone didn’t like Bennie. She explained that their interests were more aligned with the areas in the congressional district that they already reside in and that they wanted to keep it that way.
The Republican-backed redistricting proposal passed with 76 to 42 votes. This was almost entirely on party lines. Ballotpedia reports that the Republicans hold control of the House with a majority of 77-43-2.
The Mississippi Democratic Party posted Yates’ letter as a tweet, saying, Mississippi Democrats, take heed.
Yates stated that she was shocked by the tweets of the party and responded with a series Tweets.
My closest friends and those who work with my on a daily basis are aware of my beliefs and my ideals. She wrote that I decided to leave the Democratic Party because it was the only way I could remove myself from a toxic environment.
In an interview with WLBT she reiterated the point. I will continue to concentrate on securing funds to make critical repairs in Jackson’s water- and sewer infrastructure. I will also continue working with state, county and city officials to fund a strategic plan to combat crime in our capital.
She said that I am still friends with a large number of people in the Democratic caucus. My politics are the same. My goals are the same. My goals have not changed. The letter that stands behind my name has changed.
Tyree, the Chair of Mississippi Democratic Party was unable to comment Friday afternoon.
Some members of my own caucus made it clear that they did not want me in the Democratic Party. I removed myself from the situation to allow me to focus my efforts on representing my constituents as best I could.
— Rep. Shanda Yates (@yatesforhouse) January 14, 2022
Copyright 2022WLBT. All rights reserved.
