South Carolina Senate rejects effort to tackle redistricting despite pressure from Trump
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Republican-led South Carolina state Senate rejected a resolution to extend the legislative session for redistricting, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed despite pressure from former President Donald Trump.
- The vote blocks GOP plans to redraw the state's only majority-Black congressional district, held by Democrat James Clyburn, ahead of the June 9 primaries.
- Trump had urged Republicans to act boldly on redistricting, following a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting the use of race in redistricting, which has led several GOP-controlled states to pursue new maps favoring Republicans.
- Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey opposed the redistricting effort, emphasizing the importance of a vibrant two-party system and indirectly resisting Trump’s pressure by invoking Southern heritage and independence.
- Republican Governor Henry McMaster has not yet called a special session but noted lawmakers still have time to address redistricting; meanwhile, several GOP gubernatorial candidates criticized senators who voted against the resolution.