Dear Friends:
There’s one big story!
This week, pretty much wrecked plans to peacefully and successfully conclude South Carolina’s 126th legislative session next Thursday as required by our State Constitution. The end of every two-year session is always a scramble to finalize priority legislation, but this week the focus shifted to raw politics.
President Trump dropped a political bomb on the State House, asking for the Republican-dominated General Assembly to overhaul the state’s congressional voting lines, reshaping the political landscape in the state.
The target – potentially displacing Democrat U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, who has represented the 6th Congressional District for 34 years.
How Did This Happen?
To understand what’s happening, perspective is important.
For months, there has been a battle between red and blue states to shift Congressional districts in their favor to win a majority of races in November’s mid-term election to control the U.S. House of Representatives.
Ten days ago, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened the door to mid-decade redistricting. The decision reinforced a legal and political reality: states have broad authority to redraw congressional maps whenever they choose, not just after the census every 10 years. The Justices essentially nullified parts of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that required southern states like South Carolina to have majority-minority districts. In other words, Congressional and State House districts have been gerrymandered in favor of African Americans (mostly Democrats) for the past 60 years.
States are Moving Fast
Alabama and Tennessee held special legislative sessions this week to redraw congressional maps. Alabama’s map could give Republicans a six-to-one advantage. Tennessee’s special session focused on targeting the state’s lone Democratic seat in Memphis (the largest majority‑Black city in the U.S.). If successful, Tennessee’s reapportionment could reach a nine-to-zero Republican sweep. Florida is also cueing up a Republican-driven redistricting initiative.
Meanwhile, Democrats have been redistricting in California and Virginia, with some success. New York is preparing to launch its Democrat-driven reapportionment initiative. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont are represented entirely by Democrats in the U.S. House.
Democrats have pledged nationwide legal fights with Republicans to counter GOP redistricting efforts. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “This is just the beginning… we will sue… we will redraw, and we will win.”
SC’s Controversial Shift
A significant overhaul of South Carolina’s congressional voting lines is on the horizon, potentially displacing Democrat U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn from the district he has represented for 34 years. The proposed changes, being pushed by the White House, could reshape the political landscape in our state, potentially making some traditionally Republican districts competitive for Democrats in future elections.
SC Legislative Developments
On Wednesday, SC House Republicans introduced two bills: one to redraw the state’s congressional map and another to delay congressional primaries by two months. If approved by the Senate, this would require parties to reopen candidate filing for Congress next month.
A House hearing on the proposed changes took place on Friday morning. In a 3-2 vote along party lines. The panel advanced legislation to push back South Carolina’s congressional primaries to August 11, to redraw voting lines. Holding a second set of primaries in August could cost taxpayers at least $2.2 million, not including the redistricting process itself.
The Senate isn’t fully on board yet, but a majority of Senators will likely join the initiative debating redistricting this coming week. A two-thirds majority will be necessary for the Senate to proceed, with House approval already secured at 87-25 along party lines.
Concerns and Predictions
While concerns over the newly proposed White House-endorsed map remain, three different modeling sources have confirmed that the map drawn by the National Republican Redistricting Trust is GOP-leaning in every SC Congressional district. One caveat – the more competitive districts become through the reapportionment process, the more likely they are to attract better Democratic candidates and increase funding for their campaigns, complicating Republican efforts to maintain their majority. That potential influx of Democratic resources could affect down-ballot races, extending the effects beyond congressional elections to the State House, where Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers.
The ramifications of this proposed redistricting raise concerns about potential lawsuits. The House has allocated $2 million for “redistricting litigation,” hinting at the contentious nature of this redistricting effort. Additionally, with absentee ballots for the upcoming primary already distributed, the timing of these changes could further complicate the electoral process.
Despite concerns, there are those motivated by the goal of flipping Clyburn’s 6th District, which has remained a Democratic stronghold since its creation as a majority-Black district in the early 1990s. Clyburn, the state’s longest-serving congressman, is running for his 18th term, and while the district has shifted demographically, it retains a strong Democratic tilt.
My Thoughts…
A wise veteran State Senator provided a valuable perspective this week, saying that over the years, South Carolina has been a leader in political redistricting, creating a six-to-one advantage for Republicans in the state’s current Congressional makeup.
I greatly desire that Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House for the sake of this nation and to help President Trump continue with his winning agenda.
Raw politics aside, there is also the issue of fairness. If redistricting resulted in South Carolina sending seven Republicans to Congress, while 28% of South Carolinians are African American (and still predominantly voting Democrat), would they feel as if they are fairly represented? I think not. Also consider that while much of South Carolina is ruby red in voting, the same can’t be said for the larger urban areas. Overall, Democrat-leaning voters account for about 40%.
We are on the cusp of the June 9th Primary Election, with early voting beginning in 17 days. Given the possibility of significant political shifts through redistricting, we legislators must carefully weigh the implications of our decisions. The outcome will cause enormous voter confusion and upheaval and potentially shape the political landscape in South Carolina for years to come.
BREAKING AIKEN COUNTY NEWS
This week at the State House, Sen. Tom Young and I met with LS Power officials regarding the location of a potential gas power plant in Aiken County. The potential site had garnered significant opposition from rural residents. Late Friday, LS Power responded to those concerns by issuing the following statement.
“LS Power greatly appreciates the opportunity to speak with Senator Young and Representative Taylor about the responsible development of new power generation to serve South Carolina’s growing electricity needs. Our goal is always to develop and operate energy infrastructure that fits and benefits our host communities.
Recognizing South Carolina’s growing needs, we’ve been in the earliest phases of assessing feasibility, which includes securing real estate options near existing electrical substations, such as the one on New Holland Rd. These options allow us to assess the suitability of each potential site.
We’ve decided not to advance development on any of the optioned sites near the New Holland Rd substation, because we concluded they are not a good fit for this type of use. We remain committed to being a constructive partner in addressing South Carolina’s growing need for power and will continue engaging locally to evaluate potential sites in more suitable areas.”
Both Senator Young and I recommended to LS Power that they explore locating their plant in the North Fork Commerce Park, a 1,800-acre industrial park being developed north of I-20 (Exit 33) and Hwy. 39 in far NE Aiken County, on the border of Lexington County. (Aiken Standard)
Top Legislative News
House OKs Expanded Heritage Act
A victory for those who cherish history! In a party-line vote Thursday, the House voted 74-28 to advance legislation that would further expand the 2000 Heritage Act, which protects the movement, alteration, and removal of certain monuments, statues, plaques, and other memorials across the state.
The bill (S.508) extends protections to all memorials on public property in SC. The bill adds colonial wars and any armed conflict involving South Carolinians to that list of protected categories, as well as memorials dedicated to any deceased historic figure or any historical or “commemorated” event.
Most importantly, it gives affinity and monument preservation organizations the legal standing to bring civil actions against violations, including seeking damages for damaged or destroyed monuments. It also halts the use of digital codes or informational plaques that have been placed near some monuments in recent years.
Sen. Danny Verdin and I joined forces to file companion monument-protection legislation in the House and Senate this session, with the understanding that the Senate would need to move the bill first. Sen. Verdin navigated a difficult legislative path, leading the Senate to pass the bill on a vote of 31-7 several weeks ago.
The bill’s passage sends it back to the Senate, which can either concur with the House changes, sending the bill to the governor for his signature, or reject them and send the bill to a conference committee.
On a Personal Note
Saying Farewell
While there are still legislative days ahead, I gave my farewell address to the House of Representatives on Thursday. It was an opportunity to reflect on my 16 years of service.
My years in the House have reaffirmed my faith in representative government. It’s not perfect, but neither are we humans. Politics is messy and gets a bad rap. Some criticisms are justified, but I believe public service is a noble calling, and most who answer the call are well-intended and want to do good.
Each of us has been given the opportunity to sit at the policy table for more than 5.6 million South Carolinians. Fortunately, our State House is unlike Washington, D.C., where political squabbling is a national embarrassment. It’s also dangerous. Government needs to function and serve “We the People.”
What I don’t respect is the few who work hard to turn the House of Representatives into drama-filled political theater. That’s selfish grandstanding. I suggested that those actors wise up and do better, and work with others to find consensus and compromise. Being an absolutist — insisting on your way — gets them nothing.
Most importantly, I thanked God for allowing me to serve and the voters who sent me to the State House eight times. I recognized my wife, Donna, my soulmate and political wing-woman. I also expressed my appreciation to the State House staff. They are dedicated public servants. They’re smart. They’re doers.
I concluded with this: “These 16 years have been the pinnacle of my work life. It’s been a hoot! God willing, there’s more ahead. In the video announcing my decision to retire, I told folks I was turning the page. I’m good with that because I trust the next chapter. I know the author.”
If you wish to view my farewell address, it is available here.
Legislative Briefs
Budget Work Continues
The House continued work on the state budget this week after receiving Senate amendments, moving one step closer to delivering $1 Billion in tax relief while investing in SC’s core priorities. The House budget remains focused on responsible, conservative budgeting that supports infrastructure, public safety, education, workforce development, and economic growth without expanding government.
Key investments included in the budget include:
- Major funding for road improvements, bridge modernization, and interstate construction projects
- Investments in law enforcement, emergency communications, and public safety infrastructure
- Increased support for teacher pay, school safety, and workforce development programs
- Funding for scholarships and job training opportunities to strengthen South Carolina’s workforce
- Support for local community organizations, volunteer emergency services, and programs serving families across the state
As negotiations continue between the House and Senate, we remain focused on delivering a final budget that keeps SC financially strong, invests in core priorities, and puts more money back in taxpayers’ pockets.
Fargo’s Law
Last week, the House concurred with Senate amendments on “Fargo, Hyco, Rico, Coba, Wick, Mikka, and Bumi’s Law” (H.3034), sending the bill to the Governor’s desk. This legislation strengthens protections for K9 officers and horses that serve alongside law enforcement officers across South Carolina. The bill increases penalties for individuals who seriously injure or kill police animals, ensuring stronger accountability for crimes committed against these dedicated law enforcement partners.
Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act
The Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (H.3021) officially passed the Senate last week with amendments and now heads back to the House. This legislation is focused on cutting unnecessary regulations, reducing burdensome government red tape, and making it easier for South Carolina’s small businesses to grow, hire, and succeed.
Truth in School Grading
The Public School Truth in Grading Bill (H.5073) officially passed both chambers and was sent to the Governor this week. This legislation ensures grades reflect what students actually earn, not provide shortcuts that can hurt long-term success. Parents deserve an honest picture of how their child is performing, and schools should maintain strong academic standards that prepare students for college, careers, and real life.
Strengthening Protections Against Child Exploitation
This week, the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Penalty Increase Bill (H.4804) passed on the Senate floor and is headed to the Governor’s desk. This legislation closes dangerous loopholes, increases penalties for offenders, and ensures repeat offenders face mandatory prison time.
Protecting Election Integrity
The House also passed the Citizens-Only Voting Constitutional Amendment (S.582), which would ensure that only United States citizens can vote in SC elections. As other states like California, Vermont, and Maryland move toward allowing non-citizens to participate in certain local elections, SC is taking action to protect the integrity of our elections and make clear that voting is a right reserved for American citizens only.
Local Political Notes
Join me for a Neighborhood Campaign Meet & Greet for Tommy Paradise, who seeks to succeed me representing House District 86 in the House of Representatives. I’ll be joined by Sheriff Marty Sawyer in support of Tommy.
Next Saturday will be a grand opportunity for Aiken County residents to meet the Republican candidates running for Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller General, Superintendent of Education, Commissioner of Agriculture, and State House candidates.
Reserve Your Seat at: AikenCountyRepublicanParty.com/events
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Wedn
Wednesday was Clubhouse Advocacy Day at the State House. I had important discussions with Terry & Philip Lee and members of the Overflow Foundation’s Clubhouse Community of Hope regarding Aiken County’s mental health challenges. This group is doing God’s work in helping those suffering from mental health issues.
Aiken County celebrated the National Day of Prayer Thursday evening, thanking God for his many blessings. I was honored to pray for government.
