In a significant move, South Carolina Republicans have defied President Donald Trump by blocking a redistricting proposal that aimed to remove the state’s only Democrat, Rep. Jim Clyburn, from his seat. This decision, made on Tuesday, significantly diminishes their prospects of capturing that seat in 2026, although the GOP might still attempt to redraw the district before the 2028 elections.
The state Senate’s procedural vote to prematurely conclude debate on the proposed map fell short, with a 24-20 result. Twelve Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the move. Subsequently, the Senate adjourned until June 10, effectively ending any possibility of redistricting before the midterms.
This decision marks a stark reversal from just two weeks prior when Governor Henry McMaster, under pressure from Trump and the White House, called a special session to address the redistricting. Now, South Carolina Republicans who opposed the redistricting could face challenges similar to Indiana lawmakers who lost their primaries to MAGA-aligned candidates after opposing Trump.
Because election schedules remain unchanged, South Carolina Republicans are likely secure in their positions until the 2028 primaries, as early voting for the current election cycle has already started.
State Senator Larry Grooms criticized Governor McMaster for failing to call the special session sooner, attributing the failure of the measure to this delay. “Republicans and the White House worked quickly to pass a redistricting plan before the start of in-person voting,” Grooms stated, “but the call from the governor came too late.” McMaster initiated the special session almost immediately after the regular legislative session ended.
The unexpected opposition from Republicans came as a surprise to Trump’s political team, according to an anonymous source close to the White House. The source noted that McMaster did not inform the White House that the vote was likely to fail.
Governor McMaster’s office has not yet provided a comment on the situation.
Shane Massey, the Senate GOP leader, has long been against redistricting. He delivered a passionate speech earlier this month during a procedural vote, which gained national attention. Although earlier Senate votes suggested a redistricting was likely, several Republicans changed their stance on Tuesday, citing the start of early voting as a reason.
Despite not gaining an additional seat from South Carolina, Republicans retain an overall advantage in the redistricting battle, largely due to court decisions.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to narrow the Voting Rights Act has prompted swift redraws in other Southern states. Additionally, the Virginia Supreme Court overturned a four-seat Democratic gerrymander approved by voters.
Several states still face unresolved redistricting issues before November. In Alabama, Republicans are attempting to use a 2023 map that eliminates a Democratic-held seat, though it is currently stalled in court. Meanwhile, Louisiana Republicans continue to work on passing a map before the midterms.
