South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, is set to announce plans for a special legislative session focused on redistricting. This move is poised to enable the state legislature to approve a Republican-favored redistricting map, which could jeopardize the seat of Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn in the upcoming midterms.
Jim Clyburn stands as the only Democrat in South Carolina’s House delegation. The proposed new map threatens to dismantle his district, potentially resulting in seven solid Republican seats and none leaning towards Democrats.
McMaster’s decision marks a shift from his earlier stance this month, a change attributed to pressure from President Donald Trump and his allies to support redistricting efforts in favor of Republicans. This information comes from four individuals familiar with the plan who spoke anonymously.
The anticipated special session follows an instance where five Republican state senators joined Democrats to block a proposal that would have allowed redistricting without McMaster’s call. The special session’s convening will allow the passage of a new map by a simple majority, a task likely achievable given the Republican majority.
Although McMaster is expected to announce the special session plans on Wednesday, he cannot formally convene it until the legislature concludes its regular session on Thursday. Until the decision is finalized, there is a possibility of a change of mind.
McMaster’s office did not provide comments on the matter. Fox Carolina News was the first to report McMaster’s plans for the special session.
James Blair, who is transitioning from the White House to manage midterm operations for Trump, expressed on X, “South Carolina isn’t done,” after the legislative body failed to reach the two-thirds majority required for redistricting without a special session.
A recent Supreme Court decision limiting the Voting Rights Act has accelerated redistricting efforts in Southern states, with new maps already passed in Tennessee and anticipated in Louisiana.
In South Carolina, the newly proposed map could potentially secure a 7-0 Republican House delegation, although some GOP senators who opposed it argue that the outcome is not guaranteed. Meanwhile, Democrats remain optimistic that redistricting might open opportunities for a new seat, and the party’s top House campaign arm has begun recruiting in the state.
State Senate leader Shane Massey, one of the five Republicans who opposed the redistricting measure, has started informing lawmakers about McMaster’s decision. It remains uncertain whether Massey will attempt to persuade Republicans who initially supported the redistricting proposal to reconsider their stance.
