Clyburn reacts to SC Senate rejection of redistricting that jeopardized his seat

South Carolina U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn celebrated the state Senate’s rejection of a redistricting plan endorsed by former President Donald Trump, which would have removed him from his congressional seat after decades in office. Clyburn, the only Democrat in South Carolina’s congressional delegation, called the Senate’s decision a reflection of what South Carolinians wanted, emphasizing a constitutional process. The Senate voted down the plan on Tuesday after a dozen Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in opposition. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster had called a special legislative session to reconsider the redistricting measure, which was part of a broader Trump-backed effort to redraw congressional districts nationwide ahead of the November elections. Clyburn linked the record-setting early voting turnout—over 10,000 ballots cast by lunchtime—to voter anger over the proposed redistricting. He argued the plan was externally imposed rather than driven by South Carolina lawmakers, a point he said frustrated local Republicans. Clyburn also predicted the controversy would strain his relationship with McMaster, despite past collaboration. The redistricting push came after the Senate’s failure to advance the bill, which opponents argued would dilute African-American representation. Clyburn voted earlier in the day in Orangeburg, where he described voters as highly animated about the election process. The Senate’s rejection leaves the redistricting plan unresolved, though early voting continues as legal challenges loom.