SC Senate rejects Trump’s calls for Congressional Redistricting in Tuesday vote

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) –On Tuesday afternoon, the SC Senate voted to not take up Congressional Redistricting in a special session, after regular session ends on May 14th.

The previous night, President Trump called for SC Republicans to go through with Congressional Redistricting writing on Truth Social, “The South Carolina State Senate has a big vote tomorrow on Redistricting. I’m watching closely, along with all Republicans across the Country who are counting on their Elected Leaders to use every Legal and Constitutional authority they have to stop the Radical Left Democrats from destroying our Country, including leveling the playing field against their decades of egregious Gerrymandering and Census Rigging. South Carolina Republicans: BE BOLD AND COURAGEOUS, just like the Republicans of the Great State of Tennessee were last week! Move the U.S. House Primaries to August, leave the rest on the same schedule. Everything will be fine. GET IT DONE! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

On Tuesday morning, members of the Judiciary Constitutional Laws Subcommittee heard testimony around the bill, H.5683 — sponsored by Representative Luke S. Rankin.

“Are Republicans willing to use the constitutional authority given to us by the people of SC or are we going to sit back and allow the political status quo to continue unchecked?” asks Rankin.

First to testify was the new Executive Director of the SC Election Commission, Conway Belangia, explaining what moving the Congressional primary to August 18th would look like.

“It provides no wiggle room. It is extremely tight. It will be cumbersome to all involved. It can be accomplished, but in situations like this…you know…we don’t know what may happen,” says Belangia.

Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette spoke in favor of the new map, receiving pushback from Democratic Rpresentative Justin Bamberg.

“South Carolina must move with speed and determination to draw maps rooted in the Constitution — not on identity politics or left wing social engineering,” says Evette.

“You do understand as lieutenant governor, do you not? That the Democrats didn’t draw the Congressional map, your own party did!” says Bamberg.

Community members also spoke out against Congressional redistricting before subcommittee members.

“We want protections and representation for our children just like you want for yours. This is going to cause an uproar that you all are not quite ready for,” says one speaker.

“When district lines appear to change on political convenience, rather than population, it undermines public trust and reinforces the belief that power, not people drives decision making,” says another.

“Your capitulation to the president will be a direct injury upon the people you claim to serve,” says another community member.

Attorney General Alan Wilson also addressed members Tuesday morning. Following the Senate’s vote to not take up a special session, Wilson sent out a statement which in part, reads — “President Trump and the court made it clear that states like ours have the opportunity and the authority to redraw Congressional districts in a Constitutional way. South Carolina missed that opportunity. Now, all eyes are on the governor. Governor McMaster must call for a special session. The time to act is now.”

Senate Democrats responded as well with Democratic Minority Leader Brad Hutto issuing a statement saying “Today’s vote sends a clear message that SC should not be dragged into another unnecessary and divisive redistricting battle driven by Washington insiders. South Carolinians rejected a politically motivated power grab orchestrated by a White House shaped by perpetually online New York City activists with little understanding of South Carolina. The people of this state expect us to focus on real issues affecting their daily lives, not carry out an outside political agenda.”

Other politicians are responding to the SC Senate’s decision as well. 

“Never thought I’d see “Republican” legislators in the South Carolina Senate defending race-based gerrymandering – but here we are. Two of my opponents wasted whatever was left of their political capital today to embarrass themselves at the statehouse. We need a Governor who the statehouse will fear and listen to. You know I’d whip every single “NO” vote into shape if I was Governor,” says Rep. Nancy Mace.

“South Carolina Democrats stood firm and helped apply the pressure necessary to stop this reckless attempt to redraw congressional maps as voting has already begun for the June 9 primaries. Senate Republicans were forced to confront the chaos this proposal would have caused voters across our state. With ballots already mailed and voting preparations already underway, changing the rules in the middle of the game would have undermined voter confidence and damaged trust in our elections. This outcome is a testament to the South Carolinians who spoke out and refused to stay silent, and today, democracy wins. Democrats will continue standing up for fair elections and will fight for the rights of every voter in our state,” says SC Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain.

“South Carolina’s voters elected strong Republican majorities in the State House and Senate to deliver fair, constitutional congressional maps that end Democrat racial gerrymandering and strengthen our conservative stronghold. The Senate’s refusal to advance these efforts today is a betrayal of the people of South Carolina and a direct defiance of President Trump’s clear call to produce maps that honor the will of our voters and put America First. There is no time for hesitation or excuses. We must finish this redistricting work now, by any means necessary, to deliver representation rooted in the Constitution, not identity politics. I stand with conservatives across South Carolina and President Trump in leading this fight to end the rigged maps, eliminate racial gerrymandering, and maximize the conservative stronghold. The integrity of our elections and the future of our state demand nothing less,” says Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in a statement.

“Since DAY ONE, I’ve been calling for our maps to be redrawn, and today, the corrupt politicians of Columbia failed us yet again. The establishment FAILED to advance this amendment because the current system benefits the insiders already in power! This fight is far from over. It’s time for WE THE PEOPLE to take back our state!! Today reinforces the need for new leadership in Columbia who are willing to challenge the establishment and enact term limits!”says Congressman Ralph Norman.