President Trump has directly urged South Carolina lawmakers to postpone the state’s congressional primaries ahead of an upcoming redistricting vote in the state legislature.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the need for Republican leadership to use all legal and constitutional authorities to counter what he described as “Radical Left Democrats” undermining the country through “decades of egregious Gerrymandering and Census Rigging.” He specifically called on South Carolina Republicans to move the U.S. House primaries to August, leaving other races unchanged.
“The South Carolina State Senate has a big vote tomorrow on Redistricting,” Trump wrote. “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…”
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson echoed the call for bold action, stating, “President Trump is right. South Carolina has an opportunity to act, and we need leaders willing to get it done. Now is the time to be bold and lead.”
A resolution passed by the House’s Constitutional Law Subcommittee on a 3-2 party-line vote would postpone the state’s congressional primaries until August, providing lawmakers with time to redraw district lines. Lawmakers in the subcommittee declined to discuss a proposed map that would have all seven congressional districts represented by Republicans. The state’s regular legislative session concludes on May 14, while current primary elections are scheduled for June 9.
Former state Representative Adam Morgan, founder of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, noted there are “9 South Carolina GOP senate holdouts” blocking progress. Campaign concerns have also surfaced regarding the potential transfer of funds for candidates who have already begun campaigning in existing districts.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) acknowledged the political urgency during a campaign event on May 8, stating, “It’s sort of late in the game. Is it too late? I don’t know. I think the Trump people believe that the new map can lead to a pick up and it won’t jeopardize seats.”
The redistricting efforts are expected to impact Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), the only Democrat in South Carolina’s congressional delegation, who represents the sixth district created under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act to protect minority voting power. A recent Supreme Court ruling has weakened that protection. Clyburn warned that Republicans are attempting to dismantle his district “Not because voters demanded it, but because Donald Trump requested it,” and cautioned that “we cannot let them succeed.”
Trump’s push for redistricting in conservative states nationwide aims to maintain Republican majorities in both the House and Senate.