As Republican-controlled states across the South rush to redraw congressional lines and scale back or eliminate majority-Black districts, one of the most prominent Black members of Congress could see his position challenged in a way it never has before. Nevertheless, the former House majority whip remains confident in his own political prospects and defiant in the face of attempts to negate Black political power.
Rep. Clyburn condemns conservatives’ racial redistricting, vows to compete
Clyburn, who has represented South Carolina’s 6th District since 1993, was asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper about Republican efforts to redraw the state’s congressional lines.
“The voters will have the last word on this, and I don’t know why people think I could not get reelected if they redistrict South Carolina.”
Clyburn explained that he was not deterred by the prospect of changing the demographic makeup of his largely Black congressional district.
“I have a district that is about 45% African American. I have no idea what the number will be after the legislature finishes,” he told Tapper.
Regardless, Clyburn explained, he will seek reelection, saying, “I believe I have the record that is very acceptable to the South Carolina voter and I have a pretty good understanding of America’s promise, and I will run on that.”
Clyburn’s confidence comes despite a concerted effort by Republicans across the South to scale back or eliminate Black districts. After President Trump initiated a partisan redistricting battle between Republicans and Democrats, a new round of gerrymandering by Republicans has specifically targeted Black districts after a Supreme Court decision last week that gutted a portion of the Voting Rights Act that protected so-called majority-minority districts.
Clyburn condemned Chief Justice John Roberts and the rest of the Supreme Court’s conservative majority for their decision, likening it to the Dred Scott decision that upheld slavery prior to the Civil War.
“I think that Justice Roberts is gonna take his place alongside some other infamous justices, like Taney, who gave us the Dred Scott decision.”
Redistricting fight continues ahead of 2026 midterm elections
After the Supreme Court’s recent decision, which negated a second majority-Black district in Louisiana, that state’s Republican-controlled government postponed a primary election that was already underway in order to redraw the state’s maps.
Republicans in Tennessee have quickly pushed through legislation that carves up the city of Memphis, dividing the Black vote and likely flipping the state’s only Democratic-held seat.
South Carolina is one of several other Southern, GOP-controlled states looking to fast-track redistricting. Republicans in the state are seeking to delay primary elections, now scheduled for June, in order to redraw the congressional map.
Clyburn hypothesized, however, that these moves could backfire.
“I do not believe that the majority of voters in this country condone and agree with what President Trump is doing.”
Clyburn warned Republicans to “be very careful what you pray for,” suggesting that redistricting could also dilute Republican voting power in some districts.
If Republicans in South Carolina do succeed in redrawing the state’s congressional map and flipping the 6th District, it would represent the end of a momentous congressional career for Clyburn.
First elected in 1992, the congressman is in his 17th term in Congress. He has been a power player for much of his tenure, rising to the rank of House majority whip, which made him the third most powerful member of the House behind then-Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.
Beyond his formal roles, Clyburn’s influence in South Carolina and among Black voters gave him a reputation as a “kingmaker” in Democratic politics. Most notably, Clyburn’s support was seen as instrumental in reviving Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential run by helping Biden win the South Carolina Democratic primary and backing Biden’s ultimately successful campaign.
A situation in which Republicans gerrymander the state to eliminate Rep. Clyburn’s district would lead to an inauspicious end to the congressman’s long and influential career in Congress. It is clear from Clyburn’s comments, however, that he is prepared to fight for his seat, and he is confident that he and other Democrats have a strong chance despite Republicans’ political maneuvering.