South Carolina redistricting buzz hits Clyburn’s seat; long-time Democratic power broker, in Congress since 1993, eyes 2026 run.
At 85, Jim Clyburn intends to seek another term in Congress, aiming to serve alongside the first Black speaker if Democrats regain control of the House. His decision comes amid a wave of retirements among Democratic leaders and a favorable political climate for the party in upcoming elections.
Courts and lawmakers are negotiating mid-decade redistricting amid a Supreme Court ruling that weakens the Voting Rights Act. Alabama and Florida are among states revisiting congressional maps, with August special primaries and a looming federal review of district lines.
The South Carolina governor has signaled a special session on redistricting as Republicans push to redraw maps. Key issues include potentially eliminating Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Democratic seat and concerns about a “dummymander” that could dilute Black representation. The move follows pressure from Trump allies and intra-party splits among Republicans.
Since mid-May 2026, Republican-led legislatures in multiple Southern states have been moving to redraw congressional maps after a Supreme Court ruling weakened Voting Rights Act protections. Federal judges in Alabama have blocked a new map, South Carolina Republicans have delayed redistricting after defections, and state debates are shifting primary schedules and election plans ahead of the November midterms.