My Dumb State: South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, Wants Mid-Cycle Redistricting James Clyburn Out of Existence

Oct 1, 2026 05:24 PM EDT, Thu

Frankly, in my opinion, South Carolina is not a 100% ruby red state. Heck, it’s not even 75% Trumpian. Statewide races, state constitutional officers and senators, win with, on average 56 percent of the electorate.

Instead of a 1/6 split (16.67% Democrats) among House representation, a more equitable distribution of representation would be 4/7 split (57% Trumpian, 43% Democrats),

@RalphHightower

🧭 What is defined in SC law South Carolina does define:

  • Emergencies
  • Disasters
  • Imminent threats
  • Public disorder
  • Conditions for Guard activation
  • Conditions for extended legislative session (Title 2)

But none of these definitions include or clarify “extraordinary occasions.”

🧭 What this means legally

Because the Constitution doesn’t define the term, courts treat “extraordinary occasions” as:

  • A narrow, governor‑only power
  • Not self‑defining
  • Not interchangeable with emergencies
  • Not triggered by routine legislative business
  • Subject to judicial review when abused

This is exactly why the SCOTSC case you’re following exists: McMaster used a constitutional power with no statutory definition, and the court must decide whether the facts fit the phrase.

SECTION 19 of ARTICLE IV – Executive Department

Extra sessions; Governor may adjourn General Assembly. The Governor may on extraordinary occasions convene the General Assembly in extra session. Should either house remain without a quorum for five days, or in case of disagreement between the two houses during any session with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such times as he shall think proper, not beyond the time of the annual session then next ensuing. (1972 (57) 3171; 1973 (58) 48.)

Editor’s Note

The present provisions of this section are similar to former Section 16 of Article IV as it existed prior to the 1973 revision. For similar provisions in Constitution of 1868, see Const 1868, Art III, Section 16.

(1972 (57) 3171; 1973 (58) 48.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2026-09 Official (PDF) Convening General Assembly in Extra Session

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. Text Alternative (PDF) Convening General Assembly in Extra Session

WHEREAS, on May 14, 2026, the regular annual session of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina adjourned sine die in accordance with section 2-1-180 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly has not yet adopted, enrolled, or ratified a General Appropriations Act for the 2026–2027 fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly has enrolled a joint resolution to continue funding state government’s recurring expenses at the same level as the 2025–2026 fiscal year at the end of the current fiscal year on June 30, 2026, see S. 769, 126th Gen. Assemb. (S.C. 2026). Such a continuing resolution, however, fails to accomplish the State’s important budget priorities for the coming fiscal year, including additional funding for roads and infrastructure and raising the starting salary for our teachers to at least $50,000; and WHEREAS, because “[m]oney shall be drawn from the treasury of the State or the treasury of any of its political subdivisions only in pursuance of appropriations made by law,” S.C. Const. art. X, § 8, the absence of a General Appropriations Act for the upcoming fiscal year is a matter that requires the immediate attention of, and action by, the General Assembly prior to its next regular session; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly began debating South Carolina’s congressional districts in light of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais, 608 U.S. __, Nos. 24-109, 24-110 (U.S. Apr. 29, 2026), but that debate was not concluded when the General Assembly adjourned sine die. An issue of such public importance and interest should be not only debated but also decided by the People’s representatives; and WHEREAS, the undersigned has determined that it is necessary and appropriate for the General Assembly to convene in advance of its next regular session for purposes of promptly adopting a General Appropriations Act and finishing its debate on South Carolina’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election cycle, both of which are independent, extraordinary circumstances to convene an extra session; and WHEREAS, article IV, section 19 of the South Carolina Constitution provides that “[t]he Governor may on extraordinary occasions convene the General Assembly in extra session” and further provides that “[s]hould either house remain without a quorum for five days, or in case of disagreement between the two houses during any session with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such times as he shall think proper, not beyond the time of the annual session then next ensuing”; and WHEREAS, pursuant to article IV, section 19 of the South Carolina Constitution in accordance with the authority and discretion conferred therein, the undersigned has determined that the foregoing circumstances constitute “extraordinary occasions” such that it is necessary and appropriate to convene the General Assembly in extra session at the earliest practicable opportunity; and WHEREAS, the undersigned has concluded that 11:00 AM on Friday, May 15, 2026, is the earliest practicable opportunity to convene the General Assembly in extra session. NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of South Carolina and pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of this State and the powers conferred upon me therein, I hereby call an extra session of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina to convene at the State House in Columbia, commencing at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 15, 2026. This Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect unless and until modified, amended, or rescinded by subsequent Order.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE
GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF
SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 14th DAY OF
MAY, 2026.

HENRY DARGAN MCMASTER
Governor

ATTEST: MARK HAMMOND
Secretary of State __________

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