The Legislature Draws the Lines
First, it's essential to understand who is primarily in charge of redistricting. In South Carolina, that power rests with the state legislature, the General Assembly. Lawmakers in the House and Senate are responsible for drafting and voting on the new boundaries for the state's seven congressional districts. This process is inherently political, as the party in power has the opportunity to draw lines that could favor their candidates for the next decade. The maps are passed like any other piece of legislation, which means they must clear both chambers before heading to the next crucial step.
The Governor’s Signature or Veto
Once the legislature passes a new congressional map, it lands on the governor’s desk. Here, the governor wields their most significant and direct power:
the ability to either sign the map into law or veto it. A signature makes the map official, as happened in January 2022 when Governor Henry McMaster signed the legislature's plan. A veto, however, rejects the map and sends it back to the General Assembly. Lawmakers can override a governor's veto, but it’s a high bar, requiring a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate. This veto power serves as a powerful check, forcing the legislature to consider the governor's position and potentially negotiate a map that can secure their approval.
The Bully Pulpit and Special Sessions
Beyond the formal veto, a governor can exert considerable informal influence. By using the "bully pulpit," a governor can shape public opinion, pressure lawmakers, and set the agenda. They can publicly endorse or condemn proposed maps, rallying support or opposition. Furthermore, the governor has the authority to call the legislature into a special session specifically to address redistricting. This power was recently demonstrated in May 2026, when Governor McMaster called a special session to push for a mid-decade redrawing of the congressional map after the legislature had initially failed to take it up. Although the effort ultimately did not succeed in the Senate, the governor's ability to force the debate is a significant tool of influence.
The Limits: Courts and Constitutions
The governor and legislature do not have the final say. All redistricting plans are subject to legal challenges in federal court. Maps can be struck down if they are found to be unconstitutional, particularly in cases of racial gerrymandering—where districts are drawn to dilute the voting power of racial minorities. South Carolina’s maps have faced numerous legal battles. A federal court initially struck down one of its congressional districts as a racial gerrymander after the 2020 census, though the U.S. Supreme Court later reversed that specific decision in 2024. The state's own Supreme Court has also weighed in, ruling in 2025 that challenges based on purely partisan gerrymandering are a "nonjusticiable political question," effectively leaving the court out of fights over maps drawn for political advantage. This complex legal landscape means that even a map signed by the governor can be overturned by judges, acting as the ultimate check on the process.
