The Republican-led South Carolina Senate on Tuesday voted against a measure to advance a new congressional map, ending the last-minute redistricting effort in the state for now. The failed vote was a surprise rejection of President Donald Trump, who had publicly supported the map.
The proposed map would have redrawn the state's seven congressional districts, potentially giving Republicans a stronger advantage in the 2026 midterm elections. However, several GOP senators joined Democrats in opposing the measure, citing concerns over fairness and process.
State Senator Thomas Alexander, a Republican, said the map was rushed and lacked transparency. 'We need to ensure that any redistricting plan is fair to all South Carolinians, not just one party,' he said.
President Trump had urged the state legislature to pass the map, calling it 'critical' for Republican success. The rejection marks a rare defeat for Trump in a state where he remains popular.
The current congressional map, drawn in 2021, will remain in place for the 2026 elections. Legal challenges to the map are ongoing, with critics arguing it dilutes minority voting power.
