South Carolina Senate rejects push to redraw US House districts

The South Carolina Senate on Tuesday rejected President Donald Trump’s push to redraw the state’s congressional district in hopes Republicans could gain an additional seat in the midterm elections.Senators had political concerns, worrying that any map in a state where Democrats got at least 40% of votes in the past eight presidential elections couldn’t guarantee Republican wins in all seven districts.And there were logistical worries. Statewide primaries are June 9, with early voting starting Tuesday. The plan had called for throwing out any congressional votes already cast and holding another statewide primary just for U.S. House races in August.Election officials said holding three statewide elections in five months would require employees to work around the clock to prepare voting machines and ballots and to meet legal requirements.The proposal passed the South Carolina House last Wednesday after two days of long debate.Trump’s push in South Carolina was part of his broader effort to get Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps in hopes of retaining the party’s slim majority in the November elections.Statement from South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus”The South Carolina Senate today adjourned the special legislative session on redistricting due to the ongoing statewide primary elections. ‘We charged the hill,’ said Senator Larry Grooms (Berkeley). ‘Republicans and the White House worked quickly to pass a redistricting plan before the start of in-person voting’ he added, “but the call from the Governor came too late.'”As of noon on Tuesday, more than 25,000 South Carolinians had cast in-person ballots to elect their next Governor, Attorney General, Congressman, and others. Any late change to congressional districts means thousands of voters – many Republicans – will have their ballots thrown out.’I can no longer support the passage of this bill for one simple reason: South Carolina citizens are going to the polls today,’ said Senator Richard Cash (Anderson). ‘Neither my conscience nor common sense will allow me to stop an election that has already begun.'”Fortunately, Senate Republicans secured an overwhelming Republican supermajority among South Carolina’s congressional districts following the 2020 census, and when the Radical-Left fought the map at the US Supreme Court, we won. “South Carolina is a red state because Republicans have consistently delivered results. Citizens of the Palmetto State reject Democrats’ plans for America, like abolishing the electoral college, packing the Supreme Court, and adding new Democrat states – and Senators – to the Union, as former presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, recently outlined.”Reactions from PoliticiansGov. Henry McMaster”President Trump needs a Republican Congress to continue pursuing conservative policies that make our nation stronger. I am confident that one day South Carolina’s congressional delegation will be completely Republican. I am disappointed that day has not yet come.”With the Senate’s vote today, it is clear that South Carolina will not have a new congressional map for the 2026 election. It is time for South Carolinians to go vote confidently in a safe and secure election for the June 9 primary. And it is time for the General Assembly to return in its extra session to pass a budget for the coming fiscal year. As in all elections, I encourage our citizens to exercise their precious right to vote, especially during this 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette”The South Carolina State Senate failed the people of South Carolina today. While President Trump is delivering on his America First agenda and Making America Great Again, the State Senate failed to deliver a strong redistricting map that reflects the conservative values of our state.”The Senate’s inaction protects the status quo and ignores the will of the people who overwhelmingly rejected the radical left’s agenda. Republicans were elected to lead, fight, and deliver results, not stall, surrender, and protect political insiders. Conservative voters will remember who stood with them and who failed to act when given the opportunity.”State Party Chairman Drew McKissick “We’re very disappointed with the South Carolina Senate’s failure to act on President Trump’s call for redistricting. It’s an incredible missed opportunity. Now, our focus must shift to what lies ahead: winning the next election to protect our majority and keep President Trump’s agenda moving forward.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. —

The South Carolina Senate on Tuesday rejected President Donald Trump’s push to redraw the state’s congressional district in hopes Republicans could gain an additional seat in the midterm elections.

Senators had political concerns, worrying that any map in a state where Democrats got at least 40% of votes in the past eight presidential elections couldn’t guarantee Republican wins in all seven districts.

And there were logistical worries. Statewide primaries are June 9, with early voting starting Tuesday. The plan had called for throwing out any congressional votes already cast and holding another statewide primary just for U.S. House races in August.

Election officials said holding three statewide elections in five months would require employees to work around the clock to prepare voting machines and ballots and to meet legal requirements.

The proposal passed the South Carolina House last Wednesday after two days of long debate.

Trump’s push in South Carolina was part of his broader effort to get Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps in hopes of retaining the party’s slim majority in the November elections.

Statement from South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus

“The South Carolina Senate today adjourned the special legislative session on redistricting due to the ongoing statewide primary elections.

‘We charged the hill,’ said Senator Larry Grooms (Berkeley). ‘Republicans and the White House worked quickly to pass a redistricting plan before the start of in-person voting’ he added, “but the call from the Governor came too late.’

“As of noon on Tuesday, more than 25,000 South Carolinians had cast in-person ballots to elect their next Governor, Attorney General, Congressman, and others. Any late change to congressional districts means thousands of voters – many Republicans – will have their ballots thrown out.

‘I can no longer support the passage of this bill for one simple reason: South Carolina citizens are going to the polls today,’ said Senator Richard Cash (Anderson). ‘Neither my conscience nor common sense will allow me to stop an election that has already begun.’

“Fortunately, Senate Republicans secured an overwhelming Republican supermajority among South Carolina’s congressional districts following the 2020 census, and when the Radical-Left fought the map at the US Supreme Court, we won.

“South Carolina is a red state because Republicans have consistently delivered results. Citizens of the Palmetto State reject Democrats’ plans for America, like abolishing the electoral college, packing the Supreme Court, and adding new Democrat states – and Senators – to the Union, as former presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, recently outlined.”

Reactions from PoliticiansGov. Henry McMaster

“President Trump needs a Republican Congress to continue pursuing conservative policies that make our nation stronger. I am confident that one day South Carolina’s congressional delegation will be completely Republican. I am disappointed that day has not yet come.

“With the Senate’s vote today, it is clear that South Carolina will not have a new congressional map for the 2026 election. It is time for South Carolinians to go vote confidently in a safe and secure election for the June 9 primary. And it is time for the General Assembly to return in its extra session to pass a budget for the coming fiscal year. As in all elections, I encourage our citizens to exercise their precious right to vote, especially during this 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

“The South Carolina State Senate failed the people of South Carolina today. While President Trump is delivering on his America First agenda and Making America Great Again, the State Senate failed to deliver a strong redistricting map that reflects the conservative values of our state.

“The Senate’s inaction protects the status quo and ignores the will of the people who overwhelmingly rejected the radical left’s agenda. Republicans were elected to lead, fight, and deliver results, not stall, surrender, and protect political insiders. Conservative voters will remember who stood with them and who failed to act when given the opportunity.”

State Party Chairman Drew McKissick

“We’re very disappointed with the South Carolina Senate’s failure to act on President Trump’s call for redistricting. It’s an incredible missed opportunity. Now, our focus must shift to what lies ahead: winning the next election to protect our majority and keep President Trump’s agenda moving forward.”