South Carolina redistricting: Governor forces lawmakers back to session to eliminate lone majority-Black district

Key Points:

• South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster called a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional map, aiming to eliminate its sole majority-Black district, reversing his earlier stance against such a session.
• The decision follows the state Senate's recent rejection of a resolution to reconvene for redistricting, despite the House's approval, complicating efforts amid ongoing absentee and early voting for the June 9 primary.
• Lawmakers face challenges regarding the June 9 primary election, with proposals to delay the congressional primary to August to allow more time for redistricting, a move criticized for potential voter confusion and increased costs.
• Several local officials and some Republican lawmakers have condemned the rushed redistricting process and the new map, which was created without broad input and is seen as politically motivated by GOP operatives aligned with the Trump administration.
• Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey warned that the redistricting could backfire by increasing Black voter turnout and making districts more competitive for Democrats, potentially leading to Republican losses.