Court Battle Over Congressional Map Continues in South Carolina

A legal fight over South Carolina’s congressional map continues as a federal court has ruled the state can use a disputed map in the upcoming election. Last year the court found the map illegally reduced Black representation. But it is allowing its use due to fast approaching deadlines for absentee ballots. The map is at the center of a competitive Republican primary in the 1st district currently held by Rep. Nancy Mace.

The map was drawn by the GOP after redistricting and makes the district more favorable for Republicans. In its previous ruling the court said the legislature had “exiled” over 30,000 Black residents from the district. Called a “bleaching” to benefit the GOP. South Carolina appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court which heard arguments last fall. But has yet to issue a decision. With deadlines near, the court said changing the map now was “plainly impractical”.

The Fight Over Representation

At the core of the legal battle is representation in Congress. The original map was found to dilute the influence of Black voters. But the new lines pack them into one district, reducing their impact elsewhere. While courts have allowed partisan gerrymanders, racial gerrymanders are illegal. The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could impact the rules around redistricting and minority voter rights across the country.

Mace faces primary challengers looking to replace her on the congressional map but recently earned an endorsement from former President Trump, now an ally. The primary will be held under the disputed map unless the Supreme Court intervenes. Regardless of the outcome, the case has shone a light on the delicate relationship between race and redistricting as states redraw political boundaries each decade. The fight in South Carolina may offer clues to how the high court views these issues on a national scale.