South Carolina senators block redistricting push

A group of South Carolina Republican state senators broke with their party to thwart a redistricting effort that would eliminate the Palmetto State's sole Democratic district.

Though the measure received 29 votes in favor and a mere 17 against, it did not clear the threshold for passage. State Sens. Sean Bennett, Chip Campsen, Tom Davis, Greg Hembree, and Shane Massey joined Democrats in opposing the measure.

Massey also serves as state Senate president.

The failure of the Tuesday vote significantly narrows the pathway for state lawmakers to redistrict in time for the midterms, though the governor could call a special session of the legislature.

The defection of the small group of state lawmakers comes in the wake of the Indiana GOP primaries, where Trump-backed challengers knocked out many Republicans who resisted the push to redistrict in that state.

President Donald Trump, for his part, has urged South Carolina to redistrict and follow the lead of other southern states.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.