Eric Heberlig weighs in on redistricting concerns in South Carolina
Eric Heberlig, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, was interviewed by WSOC-TV for “Experts weigh in on redistricting concerns in South Carolina.”
Republican lawmakers in South Carolina attempted to redraw the state’s U.S. House map, a move encouraged by President Donald Trump as a way to help the GOP secure another seat in a closely divided Congress. The proposal would have dismantled the state’s only Democratic‑held district, represented by Jim Clyburn, and could have split York County. However, the redistricting move does not have full support, as it could actually weaken Republican voting strongholds through a “dummymander.”
“So what they mean by a ‘dummymander’ is that you redraw the district lines in such a way that it actually makes it more likely that the Democrats will win more districts,” Heberlig said. “So right now, all Democrats for congressional districts in South Carolina are packed, concentrated in the one district, Jim Clyburn’s district. But if you spread those voters out into multiple districts, then in a year when Democrats are running very strong, that might make other districts competitive.”
The effort stalled when Republican senators voted the measure down, but Governor McMaster is expected to call both chambers back into a special session on Friday. This sets up the possibility of another vote, keeping the redistricting fight active heading into the November elections.