South Carolina Republicans Sink New House Map as Court Blocks Alabama’s 6-1 Plan
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · May 26
South Carolina Republicans Sink New House Map as Court Blocks Alabama’s 6-1 Plan
23 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 26
A 26-18 South Carolina Senate vote killed a mid-decade congressional redraw after 14 Republicans joined Democrats, preserving Rep. Jim Clyburn’s district ahead of the June 9 primary.
More than 26,000 early votes had already been cast, and dissenting Republicans said the process was rushed, lacked local input and came too late to disrupt an election already underway.
In Alabama, a unanimous three-judge federal panel barred the state from using a map designed to favor Republicans in six of seven districts, finding it intentionally diluted Black voting strength.
The judges ordered Alabama to use the last election’s 5-2 map for now, though the Republican-led state can redraw again and Attorney General Steve Marshall said he would appeal to the Supreme Court.
The twin setbacks complicate Donald Trump’s push for mid-decade redistricting to protect the GOP’s narrow House majority, even as Republicans still eye roughly 10 additional seats nationwide.
As courts block voting maps mid-election, how can states ensure a fair process for voters?
Black Representation at Risk: South Carolina and Alabama Redistricting Battles Set Stage for 2026 Midterm Power Struggle
Overview
In May 2026, major redistricting battles unfolded in South Carolina and Alabama, exposing deep tensions between state legislatures, federal courts, and national political leaders. The South Carolina Senate, controlled by Republicans, rejected a new congressional map after weeks of heated debate, marking a rare internal rebuke of former President Donald Trump. This decision followed a special legislative session focused on redistricting and drew sharp contrasts with the more orderly process after the 2020 census. These events highlight how drawing electoral maps remains highly contentious and has a significant impact on political representation across the country.