South Carolina Senate Blocks Redistricting Plan, Alabama Court Also Issues Injunction
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The South Carolina Senate voted against a redistricting plan that would have made all seven congressional districts lean Republican, blocking a key part of President Trump's national effort. On the same day, a federal court in Alabama temporarily blocked a Republican-drawn map, ruling it intentionally discriminated based on race. Early voting for South Carolina's June 9 primary began, with over 26,000 ballots cast by noon.
Facts First
- A procedural vote to bring the redistricting bill to a vote failed when 12 Republicans joined 12 Democrats to block it.
- A federal court in Alabama issued a preliminary injunction blocking a Republican-drawn congressional map, ruling it intentionally discriminated based on race.
- Early voting for South Carolina's June 9 primary began, with more than 26,000 votes cast by noon on Tuesday.
- The national redistricting effort led by Trump has netted Republicans approximately nine more seats in the U.S. House.
- The Congressional Black Caucus called for major corporations and Black athletes to oppose redistricting efforts that seek to eliminate majority-Black districts.
What Happened
The South Carolina Senate failed to advance a redistricting plan after a procedural vote to bring the bill to a vote did not reach the required threshold, with 12 Republicans joining 12 Democrats to block it. A second procedural vote also failed. The plan would have reconfigured Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn's district and aimed to make all seven of South Carolina's congressional districts lean Republican. Simultaneously, a three-judge federal panel in Alabama issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state from using a Republican-drawn congressional map, ruling the plan 'intentionally discriminated based on race' by including only one Black-majority district. The court ordered the continued use of a court-imposed map that includes two districts with a significant proportion of Black residents.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a voter in South Carolina, your early voting for the June 9 primary is underway, and the congressional district lines you are voting under may remain unchanged for this election. The Republican-led House had passed a plan that would have voided current primary results, but that process appears to be stalled. In Alabama, the court's injunction means voters there may use a map with two districts with a significant proportion of Black residents for the upcoming election, which could affect representation. The national redistricting battle could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House and the resources and attention your community receives from federal lawmakers.
What's Next
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall vowed a quick appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Alabama court ruling is expected to be challenged there. In South Carolina, state senators are considering whether to cancel current congressional votes and schedule a new primary under revised districts, though the failed votes suggest further action may be unlikely. The Louisiana House could vote later this week on a new map that could eliminate a seat held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields. The national redistricting effort is likely to continue, with Republicans having already enacted new House districts in several states and discussions ongoing in Louisiana.