NAACP Mobilization Drives Voters Across Mississippi As State Elects First Black Senator Since 1881

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2026
Contact: [email protected]

The NAACP protected the voices of Black voters as they proved that Mississippi cannot be silenced

JACKSON, Miss. - The NAACP today congratulates Mississippi voters for their historic participation in the 2026 election cycle. From the Delta to the Gulf Coast, Mississippians overcame voter purges, rejected attempts at voter intimidation, and made their voices heard at the ballot box, as the NAACP stood by them to ensure every vote was counted.

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, issued the following statement:

"Mississippi voters made history because they refused to be intimidated, discouraged, or counted out. The NAACP stood by voters as they registered, they organized, they stood in long lines, and they voted. In a state that has witnessed some of the nation's most difficult battles for voting rights, Black voters once again demonstrated the power of civic engagement and the strength of our democracy.

"Even in the face of efforts to remove voters from the rolls, attempts to intimidate voters and election officials, and bids to create fear around the electoral process, Mississippi voters showed up. They showed up for their communities, for their families, and for the future of their state. They reminded the nation that we the people have the power."

The NAACP's Mississippi State Conference, led by Executive Director Charles Taylor, played a central role in mobilizing and protecting voters throughout the election cycle. Through a year-round organizing effort, the NAACP Mississippi State Conference opened 11 field offices, knocked on more than 150,000 doors across 40 counties, sent 1.4 million text messages, mailed more than 700,000 voter contact pieces, and registered more than 17,000 voters.

"For months, our members and volunteers worked across the state to make sure Black voters had the information, resources, and support they needed to make their voices heard," said Charles Taylor, Executive Director of the Mississippi State Conference. "We knocked on doors, made calls, sent texts, registered voters, and helped people navigate the voting process every step of the way. But our work didn't stop when the polls closed. We doubled down, helping voters cure their ballots, observing the counting process, and ensuring all eligible votes were counted. Mississippi voters fought throughout this election, and we were proud to stand alongside them from registration to certification."

As Election Day approached, the NAACP accelerated efforts to turn out voters, including direct outreach to inactive voters and newly registered voters to ensure they had the information needed to successfully cast a ballot.

But when voting ended, the NAACP's work continued.

As Mississippi entered ballot-counting, cure, and certification phases, the Association deployed national legal, policy, communications, and field staff to support election protection efforts on the ground. Working alongside Mississippi organizers, NAACP teams monitored affidavit ballot processes, assisted voters seeking to cure ballot issues, tracked outstanding votes, and helped ensure eligible voters were not disenfranchised. That effort included 2,500 calls to voters and the recruitment of 250 volunteers to assist with ballot curing and monitoring.

"They tried everything they could to slow us down across the country, especially in Mississippi, but they severely misunderstood the power of the Black vote. The NAACP has been working to protect and empower voters through this election season by clearing up misinformation, knocking on doors, mobilizing the community, and protecting Black voters' access to the ballot box," said Dominik Whitehead, NAACP Chief of Field. "Moving our people is what the NAACP does best. We proved once again what collective Black power can accomplish, but our work doesn't stop after the votes are certified and races are called. We're going to continue to mobilize and show up for our community. Count on it."

This effort was part of the NAACP's multi-million-dollar GOTV campaign. Working alongside local branches, youth councils, faith partners, coalition allies, and more than 52,000 volunteers nationwide, the Association engaged 9.4 million Black voters across the country and helped strengthen Black political participation in critical races nationwide.

The NAACP will continue working to expand voter participation, protect voting rights, and ensure that every eligible American can make their voice heard at the ballot box. To learn more, visit naacp.org/vote.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.