An effort by South Carolina Republicans to redraw the state’s congressional map, which would likely have added one GOP-held U.S. House seat, failed in the state Senate with a vote of 29-17.
The proposal fell short of the two-thirds majority (34 votes) needed to extend the legislative session for redistricting. Despite President Trump’s push, five Republicans voted against extending the session.
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey argued that pursuing new maps would be short-sighted, stating: “I believe that our state is stronger with vibrant parties. I think we, as a whole, are stronger when we have a clash of ideas.”
South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette called the Senate’s decision a betrayal of voters and a defiance of President Trump’s call for constitutional maps. Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto warned that taking a map someone else created would exacerbate political divisions.
Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, cautioned that with early voting beginning in 14 days, the effort to complete redistricting without significant errors is nearly impossible. “What if we do pull it off? What do we have?” he asked. “Those who crafted this map had no interest whatsoever — they could care less about our communities.”
The failed vote follows a House GOP decision to fast-track redistricting legislation at President Trump’s request and an earlier Senate attempt to extend the session. South Carolina’s congressional delegation includes six Republicans and one Democrat, with Rep. James Clyburn serving as the lone Democratic representative in the U.S. House.
The effort was part of a response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Louisiana’s congressional map for racial gerrymandering.
