SC House passes new congressional map despite ongoing election, pending lawsuit

The South Carolina House approved a new congressional map on June 9, 2024, aiming to elect seven Republicans to the U.S. House in the 2026 midterms. The proposal passed 74-37 after three days of debate, with Republicans rejecting dozens of amendments and accelerating the process by limiting floor time. The map, which also moves the election date to August 18, now heads to the state Senate for approval amid a pending lawsuit and ongoing early voting, with over 2,000 absentee ballots already returned. The rushed process included a three-hour reading of geographic data and a rules resolution that may have violated the state’s open meeting law. Four House Republicans opposed the measure, while Democratic lawmakers criticized the lack of transparency and urgency. The bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Luke Rankin (R-Laurens), argued the map would help maintain a Republican majority in Congress, citing the narrow balance of power. The redistricting effort follows a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a Louisiana congressional map and aligns with calls from former President Donald Trump to redraw districts favoring Republicans. The move targets U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose district has the highest Black voting-age population. Gov. Henry McMaster called a special session to address redistricting after the legislature adjourned without completing the task. The Senate will begin formal debate on June 11, with a Judiciary Committee meeting scheduled to hear public input. Lawmakers have been instructed to prepare for sessions through Monday, June 17, as the bill’s fate remains uncertain. Meanwhile, voters will cast ballots in early in-person voting under the current map, with state and local elections still set for June 9.