South Carolina revives Trump-backed redistricting push
Democracy Docket • • nation
Key Points:
- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to call a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional map, aiming to eliminate its only majority-Black district held by Rep. Jim Clyburn.
- The move follows the state Senate's rejection of a redistricting plan backed by President Trump and national Republicans, which failed to secure the necessary two-thirds vote after bipartisan opposition.
- Senate Republicans opposing the measure cited concerns about the rushed process, potential electoral backlash, and the risk of creating more competitive districts for Democrats.
- The effort is part of a broader Republican push in Southern states to redraw maps following the Supreme Court's Callais decision, which weakened Voting Rights Act protections and enabled dilution of Black voting power.
- If McMaster calls lawmakers back, the legislature could pass a new map with a simple majority, intensifying the battle over South Carolina's only majority-Black congressional district.