South Carolina is adhering to the Supreme Court’s directive that race should not be considered in redistricting, Republican Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said on Thursday.
Evette defended the South Carolina House’s late-night approval of a new congressional map that Republicans claim would strengthen GOP representation and could pave the way for a 7-0 Republican delegation from the state.
“It is important because the people of South Carolina feel very strongly about delivering seven strong conservatives to Washington, D.C., to help with the America First agenda and to support President Trump,” Evette stated.
The House approved the map Wednesday night by a vote of 74-37, sending it to the GOP-controlled Senate for final approval. Democrats immediately criticized the proposal as racially motivated, vowing legal challenges that they argue would dismantle South Carolina’s lone Democratic-held congressional district.
Evette rejected accusations that Republicans were targeting minority voters, stating lawmakers are instead complying with recent Supreme Court guidance on race and redistricting. “President Trump has done a great job in pointing out what Democrats have been doing for years, and he has given cover for Republicans to be bold,” Evette said. “Here in South Carolina, we need to now follow the directive of the Supreme Court and make sure that race is not looked at when drawing these districts, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Evette also accused Democrats of hypocrisy, arguing that liberal states have long used redistricting to protect Democratic strongholds. “They’re crying foul because they always cry foul every time they get caught doing something and we try to correct it,” she added. “But here in South Carolina, we are going to do what our constituents want. We’re going to deliver conservatives for President Trump.”
The redistricting battle coincides with Evette’s campaign to succeed Republican Gov. Henry McMaster in next month’s GOP gubernatorial primary. Polls indicate a tight race, with Evette among the leading contenders. When asked about her closing message to undecided voters, Evette highlighted her business background and eight years of service alongside McMaster.
“We need a businessperson at the helm,” Evette said. “South Carolina is the fastest-growing state in the country. I have been a successful CEO in the private sector, and I am proud to have Gov. Henry McMaster’s full endorsement in this race.”
By Charlie McCarthy | May 21, 2026
