Democracy is under attack—and this conversation made clear that the fight for voting rights is entering a dangerous new phase.
On Thursday May 14, Lauren Groh-Wargo, CEO of Fair Fight, and Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson joined BigTentUSA’s urgent discussion on the fallout from Louisiana v. Callais. Groh-Wargo and Pearson sounded the alarm on escalating efforts to dismantle fair representation across the South. From racial gerrymandering and attacks on Black voting power to coordinated pushes for partisan redistricting, the speakers warned that extremist lawmakers are testing how far they can weaken democracy—and counting on people to tune out. The conversation highlighted mounting threats in states like Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, while emphasizing that courts alone will not stop the damage. Instead, organizers urged attendees to focus on turnout, state supreme court races, grassroots organizing, and sustained public pressure.
Folks, the time to organize, mobilize, and fight back is now.
Speakers’ Recommended Actions:
- Push back hard against voter suppression, racist gerrymandering, and attacks on democracy by calling them out publicly and keeping the pressure on.
- Build bigger, stronger coalitions by bringing together community groups, workers, young people, businesses, and pro-democracy allies.
- Reach more voters—including people who feel disconnected from politics—through year-round grassroots organizing and community outreach.
- Focus on turnout in the 2026 midterms and key state and local races that will shape voting rights and representation.
- Support local organizers and stay involved beyond election season through advocacy, education, and community action.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Lauren Groh-Wargo is a political and civic engagement strategist, executive, and advocate for economic and voting rights. She partnered with Stacey Abrams in 2012 to build Democratic and progressive infrastructure in Georgia, and in response to 2018 voter suppression, founded and serves as CEO of Fair Fight Action, which combats suppression and advances voter education. Fair Fight played a key role in the 2020 election and 2021 Georgia runoff. An organizer at heart, Lauren has led campaigns and advised nonprofits nationally for over 20 years. She holds an Economics degree from American University and lives in Atlanta with her partner and son.
Rep. Justin J. Pearson launched his campaign for Tennessee’s Ninth Congressional District on October 8, 2025, declaring it “a campaign for The People.” A movement leader and Tennessee lawmaker, he rose to national prominence as part of the Tennessee Three, standing up for gun reform and being overwhelmingly reelected after expulsion. A lifelong organizer, he helped lead the victorious Byhalia Pipeline fight, shut down a cancer-causing sterilization plant, and now challenges Elon Musk’s xAI data center. The second-youngest state legislator, Pearson is a national voice for justice, honored with the Truman Center’s 2024 Moral Courage Award. He’s running to bring that fight to Congress. Pearson is married to his partner in life and the struggle for justice Oceana R. Gilliam-Pearson.
