Story perspectives

Trump urges South Carolina mid-decade redistricting, risking GOP advantage

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Republican leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump urged South Carolina legislators to consider mid-decade redistricting, prompting an amendment to the sine-die agreement.
Legislative leaders are debating a two-thirds vote to add redistricting to the sine-die resolution, allowing reconvening after the May 14 session.
If passed, the amendment forces a new map before the June 9 primary, a change that could reduce the party’s 6-to-1 advantage and affect Rep. Jim Clyburn’s 6th district.

History

Historical Context

In 2001, after the 2000 census, Texas Republicans led by Tom DeLay pushed a mid-decade congressional redistricting that broke a 130-year Democratic hold on the legislature. The 2003 map produced a 21-11 Republican majority in the 2004 House delegation. Republicans in South Carolina are now pursuing a similar sine-die amendment before the June 9 primary to redraw Rep. Jim Clyburn’s district.

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Story summary

Republican leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump urged South Carolina legislators to consider mid-decade redistricting, prompting an amendment to the sine-die agreement.
Legislative leaders are debating a two-thirds vote to add redistricting to the sine-die resolution, allowing reconvening after the May 14 session.
If passed, the amendment forces a new map before the June 9 primary, a change that could reduce the party’s 6-to-1 advantage and affect Rep. Jim Clyburn’s 6th district.

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