On the first day of early voting last week, Democratic primary voters in South Carolina outnumbered Republicans by more than four-to-one, with approximately 46,000 Democrats casting ballots compared to 10,000 Republicans.
Early voting continued strongly throughout the week, although state election officials had not released a full party breakdown beyond May 26.
Redistricting Debate in the State Senate
Amid the early voting surge, the South Carolina state Senate abandoned President Donald Trump’s effort to redraw congressional maps, which aimed to weaken Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn’s 6th District.
Analysts noted that strong Democratic turnout may have influenced the political calculus surrounding the proposal.
Implications for Major Counties
The proposed redistricting plan would have moved key areas of Charleston County—including Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and surrounding island towns—into a new 7th Congressional District currently represented by U.S. Rep.
Russell Fry, R-Murrells Inlet. Greenville County, a Republican stronghold, saw its third-largest turnout with 8,905 voters.
Republican Opposition
Four House Republicans voted against the map, while six did not vote. Among those opposed:
- Rep. Thomas Hartnett (R-Mount Pleasant): Expressed concern about the impact on Charleston County and constituent opposition.
- Rep. Heath Sessions (R-York): Criticized the mid-decade, last-minute map rewrite as unfair and disruptive to communities.
- Rep. Nathan Ballentine (R-Richland): Raised concerns about splitting his district, lack of updated census data, and insufficient consultation with constituents.
- Rep. Mark Smith (R-Berkeley County): Did not publicly explain his opposition; he is running for Congress in the 1st District, which would have been significantly affected.
