South Carolina’s Redistricting Fight Targets Rep. James Clyburn’s Seat

The South Carolina House approved a new congressional map early Wednesday, May 20, that would dismantle the Sixth District and eliminate the state’s sole Democratic seat held by Rep. James E. Clyburn. The proposal now moves to the Senate. Gov. Henry McMaster, after initial hesitation, called a special session; debate began Monday, May 18. Early voting for the June 9 primaries starts May 26, and a separate bill would shift those primaries to August, raising cost concerns.

Redistricting debate shifts as Republicans seek clean sweep of US House seats

The Sixth District originated from a 1990 “peace pact” between civil-rights leaders and white conservatives that created a Black-majority seat after the Voting Rights Act’s Section 2 protections. A recent Supreme Court ruling that gutted Section 2 has reopened the map for alteration, mirroring similar mid-decade redistricting pushes in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.

The Guardian

The district stretches from the Georgia border through Savannah’s suburbs, winds north to Charleston, then cuts across Black-belt farmland to Columbia. It includes the Gullah-Geechee coastal homeland, two historically Black colleges, and the poorest counties of Barnwell and Allendale. Census estimates place Black residents at roughly 46 percent, accounting for about a quarter of South Carolina’s Black population.

The Guardian

• Rep. James E. Clyburn – longtime Black Democrat, former House majority whip (2007-11, 2019-22).

Rep. Clyburn says GOP redistricting push is part of larger Black disenfranchisement effort

• Gov. Henry McMaster – Republican governor who convened the special session.

New York Times

• President Donald Trump – urged state Republicans to redraw the map.

NewsOne

• Drew McKissick – chair of the South Carolina Republican Party.

Rep. Clyburn says GOP redistricting push is part of larger Black disenfranchisement effort

• Shane Massey – Senate majority leader opposing the plan.

The Guardian

• Jessica Thomas – local activist.

The Guardian

• Terra Ciurro – Simpsonville resident.

The Guardian

• Damien Barber – political-science graduate protesting outside the Capitol.

The Guardian

Republicans hope a revised map will give the GOP all seven House seats in South Carolina and contribute to a national gain of up to 15 seats, while Democrats project a gain of six elsewhere. Critics warn a “dummymander” could spread Democratic voters into neighboring districts, risking Republican losses. Timing constraints, overseas ballots already mailed, and the cost of moving primaries to August add logistical pressure. Demographic shifts—manufacturing jobs and retiree influx—could also alter future electoral calculations.

New York Times

Gov. McMaster said the session is “important for South Carolina to send as many Republicans to Washington as possible to prevent Democrats from taking control and attempting impeachment.” Drew McKissick praised the Supreme Court decision, urging lawmakers to “stand with President Trump, defend the Constitution, and finish the job.” Clyburn announced he will not retire, will decide which district to run in, and pledged to run regardless of map changes. Senate leader Shane Massey warned that removing Democrats from the Sixth could jeopardize Republican chances in adjacent districts.

PBS News Hour

Activists describe the plan as “a comprehensive approach to creating Jim Crow 2.0,” citing the district’s deep civil-rights history. Some Black leaders criticize Clyburn for conceding territory that could erode Democratic power for decades. Republican senators caution that a poorly drawn map could backfire, creating a “dummymander” that benefits Democrats and energizes their base.

NewsOne

The House chamber was roped off with extra security as lawmakers debated the bill. Protesters, including Damien Barber, gathered outside the legislative offices, decrying the effort as a return to “old white boys’ ways.”

Redistricting debate shifts as Republicans seek clean sweep of US House seats

• “I live in three districts. I’ll decide which one to run in.” — James Clyburn, U.S. Representative

Redistricting debate shifts as Republicans seek clean sweep of US House seats

• “This isn’t about voting. This is about turning the clock back to Jim Crow 2.0.” — James Clyburn, U.S. Representative

Redistricting debate shifts as Republicans seek clean sweep of US House seats

• “This place has such a rich, deep history of organizing, of social change, of slavery, of harm. And none of it has really been reckoned with,” — Jessica Thomas, activist, South Carolina

The Guardian

• “Thanks to the Supreme Court ruling, Republicans have an opportunity to get this done, and we should maximize it. Now is the time for lawmakers to stand with President Trump, defend the Constitution, and finish the job.” — Drew McKissick, South Carolina Republican Party Chair

Rep. Clyburn says GOP redistricting push is part of larger Black disenfranchisement effort

• “I’m gonna run no matter what,” — James Clyburn, U.S. Representative

The Guardian

The Senate will vote on the map in the coming days; if approved, the revised districts must be finalized before May 26 early voting. Legal challenges are expected, and the broader national redistricting battles continue as the Supreme Court’s decision reshapes partisan calculations across the South.

NewsOne