South Carolina Republican state lawmakers have rejected a proposal to redraw the state's congressional maps, leaving the majority-Black district held by Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn intact. The decision, reported by NPR, means the district Clyburn has represented for 34 years will not be altered for the upcoming elections.
The proposed changes were part of a broader effort in several Southern states to adjust congressional boundaries following the 2020 census. However, South Carolina's GOP-controlled legislature opted not to proceed with the plan, citing various political and legal considerations.
Clyburn, a senior Democrat and former House Majority Whip, has represented South Carolina's 6th congressional district since 1993. The district, which includes parts of Columbia and Charleston, has a significant African American population and has been a key base for Clyburn's political career.
The decision to keep the district unchanged avoids a potential legal battle over voting rights and racial gerrymandering. Civil rights groups had expressed concerns that redrawing the map could dilute minority voting power in the state.
As of May 27, 2026, no further action is expected on redistricting in South Carolina, allowing Clyburn to continue representing his current constituents without disruption.
