Columbia, South Carolina — Rep. Jim Clyburn is warning Republicans that a new South Carolina congressional map could backfire if the party pushes too far in trying to maximize House gains.
Clyburn, South Carolina’s only Democratic member of Congress, said on CNN’s “State of the Union” that Republican efforts to redraw the state’s districts could create openings for Democrats rather than eliminate them. He argued that voters are paying close attention and may respond negatively if they view the map as an attempt to weaken representation.
The warning comes as South Carolina Republicans consider joining other Southern states in new redistricting efforts after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakened a key section of the Voting Rights Act. Republicans, urged by President Donald Trump, are seeking opportunities to strengthen their House majority ahead of the 2026 elections.
Clyburn said the strategy could dilute Republican voters across too many districts, making some seats more competitive. He suggested Democrats could have a chance to win as many as three South Carolina seats if GOP mapmakers overreach.
Republicans argue they are legally drawing maps based on politics, not race. Democrats and civil rights advocates say the effort threatens Black voting power and fair representation. The final outcome will depend on the map lawmakers approve and any court challenges that follow.
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