Topline Takeaways

• Republicans are firmly in control of the redistricting process in South Carolina as they hold majorities in both state houses alongside a Republican governor.

• Since 1-in-4 South Carolina voters are Black voters, the state is required to create at least one minority-majority district (SC-6) to comply with the Voting Rights Act.

• Republicans made almost no changes to the map as their 6-1 congressional majority is already solidly safe.

Who’s In Control?

South Carolina’s redistricting process is completely controlled by the state legislature and requires gubernatorial approval before being adopted. Republicans are firmly in the drivers seat here as they hold a trifecta: majorities in both houses alongside a Republican governor.

New District Breakdown

South Carolina’s new congressional districts largely mirror the previous map, signalling Republican confidence in their near-dominance in state politics over the past decade. While several districts hold odd tendrils that split municipalities, this is less a sign of gerrymandering and more an intent to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Since roughly 25% of South Carolina voters are Black, the state has the duty of providing a minority-majority district to allow Black voters the ability to select a representative of their choice. This has become an increasingly tricky task as the state’s majority nonwhite counties have seen their populations decline over the past decade. This forced mapmakers to expand SC-6 to capture some of Charleston’s suburbs to ensure that all districts have equal population.

“The Corridor of Shame”

James Clyburn’s majority-Black district has been in the national spotlight for decades due to the state’s consistent neglect of its persistently impoverished counties. The “Corridor of Shame” is a term used to describe the predominately Black counties along Interstate 95 where historically poorly funded public schools have led to low student achievement and little economic development. It’s no coincidence that the state’s sixth congressional district follows this path across the state.

“There does seem to be a tolerance in our state to accept poorer conditions — educational conditions, physical conditions — for our black children than for our white children.” -Former State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex

The district serves as an ugly reminder that congressional representation does not automatically lead to improved social outcomes for minority groups. Despite the fact that James Clyburn currently serves as the third-ranking Democrat in the US House, his national status is not enough to counteract the discriminatory politics back home in South Carolina. Back in 1993, 36 of the state’s poorest school districts convened to sue the state for failing to provide “a minimally adequate education” to their students. The case became one of the longest trials in state history, languishing in court for over twenty years and was eventually decided in 2014 in favor of the school districts. In the ruling, the state court finally ordered the South Carolina General Assembly to fix the funding process for these schools. That decision was then overturned by the State Supreme Court in 2017, absolving the South Carolina state government from addressing the issue.

“I think that’s unfortunate because I think we still know there are disparities that we’re facing as a school district…. We are, of course, extremely disappointed that no more equity came out of that lawsuit, but we will continue to strive to do what’s best for the students that we serve.” -Former Abbeville County School District Superintendent Betty Jo Hall

Leftover Links

• Check out this fantastic story-map that illustrates the persistent problems faced by those living along the “Corridor of Shame.”

• Many are unaware of South Carolina’s Native American tribes and as a result their culture is at risk of being forgotten and extinguished. Learn more about this important group that’s too small to fight for its own seat in Congress.