Full Breakdown
South Carolina Governor Calls Special Session to Redraw Congressional Map
5/15/2026, 8:35:39 PM
Redistricting Special Session Overview
Republican Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order on May 14, 2026, calling the General Assembly back for a special session beginning May 15 at 11 a.m. The session will address the state budget and a new congressional map that would eliminate the 6th district—South Carolina’s only majority-Black district, currently held by Democrat Rep. James E. Clyburn. The move follows pressure from former President Donald Trump and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened Voting Rights Act protections.
Background & Legal Context
In April 2026 the Court’s decision in *Louisiana v. Callais* struck down a key Section 2 provision, allowing states to redraw majority-minority districts without pre-clearance. Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and other Southern states have already adopted maps that reduce Black representation. South Carolina’s regular session adjourned May 14 without a sine-die resolution; a Senate vote to extend the session failed 29-17, with five Republicans joining Democrats.
Key Figures
- Gov. Henry McMaster (R) – called the special session.
- Rep. James E. Clyburn (D) – incumbent of the 6th district.
- Donald Trump – urged “bold and courageous” action.
- Drew McKissick – SC GOP chairman, supportive.
- Brad Hutto – Senate Democratic leader, critical.
- Shane Massey – Senate majority leader (R), skeptical.
- Adam Kincaid – GOP redistricting consultant.
- Mayors William Cogswell (Charleston) & Will Haynie (Mount Pleasant) – vocal opponents.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- April 2026 – Supreme Court decision in *Callais*.
- May 12 – Senate vote fails to extend session (29-17).
- May 14 – McMaster signs executive order for special session.
- May 15, 11 a.m. – Special session convenes.
- May 26 – Deadline for passing a new map before the session ends.
Map Proposal and Numbers
South Carolina currently has six Republican-leaned districts and one Democratic (the 6th). The proposed map would redraw all seven districts, potentially creating a 7-0 Republican delegation. Notable changes: Orangeburg County moves to the 2nd district; parts of Richland split between the 3rd and 5th; Charleston County divided between the 1st and 7th; Hampton and Allendale shift to the 2nd. Moving the congressional primary from June 9 to August 18 is estimated to cost $2-$2.5 million, and more than 9,000 absentee ballots have already been mailed.
Impact on Representation and Elections
Eliminating the sole majority-Black district would diminish Black voting power in Congress and could shift South Carolina’s entire House delegation to Republicans, affecting the national partisan balance. Changing the primary date may disenfranchise voters who have already cast absentee ballots and increase administrative costs.
Official Statements
McMaster said the session would address “budget and congressional districts” as required by the state constitution. Drew McKissick praised the move as an opportunity for Republicans to “defend the Constitution and finish the job.” Brad Hutto condemned the session as focusing on “politics and power” amid concerns over affordability, healthcare and education. Attorney General Alan Wilson echoed Trump’s push, calling it “the right time to act.”
Opposition & Criticism
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey warned the plan could “motivate Black voter turnout” and risk Republican losses. Mayors Cogswell and Haynie urged a slower, principle-driven process, citing potential chaos from moving the primary. Senator Chip Campsen called the map “handed down from above” with no citizen input. Rep. Jordan Pace dismissed race-based arguments as “ridiculous leftist ideas.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Proponents claim the map guarantees a 7-0 Republican outcome; opponents argue it could yield 5-2 or 6-1. Cost estimates for moving the primary vary between $2 million and $2.5 million. Some sources attribute the map to Adam Kincaid and the Trump White House, while others note a lack of public input. The precise timeline for final approval remains unclear beyond the May 26 deadline.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m watching closely, along with all Republicans across the Country,” — Donald Trump, former President (Truth Social)
- “We appreciate Governor McMaster’s leadership in ensuring South Carolina addresses congressional redistricting,” — Drew McKissick, SCGOP Chairman
- “At a time when South Carolinians are worried about affordability, healthcare, education, and the future of our economy, the Governor has chosen to call lawmakers back for a special session focused entirely on politics and power,” — Brad Hutto, Senate Democratic Leader
- “Redrawing congressional maps on a compressed timeline is not the deliberate, principled process South Carolinians deserve.” — William Cogswell, Mayor of Charleston
- “If you get cute with this, you could end up in a 5-2 scenario.” — Shane Massey, Senate Majority Leader
- “Have y’all seen this map? It’s crazy. It connects downtown Charleston with the state capital.” — Larry Grooms, State Senator
What’s Next
Lawmakers must approve a new map by May 26 or defer redistricting to the next regular session; the congressional primary calendar and election administration will be adjusted accordingly.
