Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a candidate for governor, today testified during public comment before the S.C. House Judiciary Constitutional Laws Subcommittee, calling for the “swift passage of new congressional maps” following the U.S. Supreme Court’s weakening of a key protection of the Voting Rights Act.
You can read her full statement below:
"Mr. Chairman, Ranking Members, and distinguished Committee:
"I come before you this morning with a clear and urgent message. South Carolina must immediately redraw our congressional districts by any means necessary to produce fair, constitutional maps that honor the will of South Carolina voters and put America First.
"For far too long, Democrats and their activist allies have abused the courts to impose racial gerrymandering and cling to power they could not win at the ballot box. That era has ended. The Supreme Court has shut down these unconstitutional power grabs, and it is now time for Republican states to act.
"President Trump has made his expectations unmistakable. There is no more time for hesitation or half-measures. South Carolina must move with speed and determination to draw maps rooted in the Constitution, not in identity politics or left-wing social engineering.
"We have both the duty and the opportunity to maximize our conservative stronghold and ensure our people receive the representation they deserve, grounded in faith, freedom, family values, safe communities, and economic prosperity.
"This fight is straightforward: fair elections versus Democrat manipulation. It is the same battle President Trump has led from the beginning. No more delays, no more excuses, and no more deference to activist courts.
"We must finish this redistricting work now, by any means necessary. The integrity of our elections and the future of our state demand nothing less.
"I look forward to continuing our work to get this done."