Story perspectives

McMaster Calls Session on SC Redistricting After Trump Pressure

5/15/2026

Center

McMaster Orders Session

Governor Henry McMaster reversed stance, ordering a special session after pressure from President Donald Trump and a Supreme Court ruling.
The South Carolina General Assembly will meet Friday at 11 a.m. in Columbia to debate new congressional district maps.
The April Louisiana v. Callais decision limited Section 2 of Voting Rights Act, spurring mid-decade redistricting.
Senate Democratic Leader Brad Hutto called the session a driven power grab ignoring state issues.

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Lawmakers Redraw Map

A rushed redistricting timeline threatens to disrupt the June 9 primary and could cost South Carolina taxpayers $2.5 million.
Lawmakers are being asked to redraw South Carolina’s congressional map during a special legislative session.
Legislators warned that moving the primary to August would confuse voters and undermine election integrity.
Mayors William Cogswell and Will Haynie said process lacks input and urged principle over politics.

History

Historical Context

In 1986 the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Thornburg v. Gingles applied the 1982 amendment to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, establishing three preconditions to prove vote-dilution through submergence. Governor Henry McMaster convenes a South Carolina special session as lawmakers race to redraw congressional maps under the same Section 2 standards, risking costly legal battles.

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McMaster Orders Session

Governor Henry McMaster reversed stance, ordering a special session after pressure from President Donald Trump and a Supreme Court ruling.
The South Carolina General Assembly will meet Friday at 11 a.m. in Columbia to debate new congressional district maps.
The April Louisiana v. Callais decision limited Section 2 of Voting Rights Act, spurring mid-decade redistricting.
Senate Democratic Leader Brad Hutto called the session a driven power grab ignoring state issues.

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