SC Senate opens heated debate on redistricting plan as questions mount over map’s origins

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina senators began floor debate Thursday on a contentious redistricting plan, digging into how the map was drawn and who influenced its creation as a special legislative session entered its fifth day.

The debate comes as protesters gathered outside the State House, while inside lawmakers signaled the discussion could stretch through the holiday weekend.

On the Senate floor, members from both parties pressed Senate Judiciary Chairman Luke Rankin for details about the origins of the map, which was crafted by the National Republican Redistricting Trust.

INTERACTIVE HOUSE-APPROVED MAP

Democrats questioned what data and guidance were used, with Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine of Richland County raising concerns about the lack of transparency.

“No one knows if the person who drew the maps had data, had guidelines, had input from South Carolinians,” Devine said.

Republicans also sought clarity. Sen. Tom Davis, a Beaufort County Republican who chairs the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, asked what criteria and methodology were used to produce the proposal.

“I mean what factors, what criteria and what basis upon which Mr. Kincaid generated this map,” Davis said, referring to Washington-based consultant Adam Kincaid.

Rankin said he did not have those details, noting that senators themselves did not draw the map. He also said he could not recall a time when a cartographer was asked to testify before a legislative subcommittee about how a map was created.

At one point during the debate, Sen. Michael Johnson, a Republican from York County, introduced an alternative map that he said was developed with input from the White House. He later withdrew the proposal, sending the chamber back to the original plan.

The exchange drew criticism from Democrats, including Sen. Darrell Jackson of Richland County, who said it reinforced concerns that outside political influences were shaping the process.

“Thank you for allowing us now to confirm … what is driving this process,” Jackson said.

The Senate did not take a vote on Thursday and adjourned earlier than expected. Lawmakers are scheduled to resume debate Friday morning, with leadership indicating they are prepared to continue through the weekend and possibly meet on Memorial Day if necessary.

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