The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 14, 2026
In yet more redistricting news, the South Carolina Senate failed to reach a two-thirds vote to extend their session to redistrict the state’s congressional map. Missouri’s supreme court upheld a new congressional map designed to gain another GOP seat by diluting Black voting power in Kansas City.
In an 87-27 vote May 7th, the South Carolina House approved an extension of the current session to redistrict, but May 12th, the state senate failed to reach the two-thirds threshold needed. Five Republicans, including Senate Majority leader Shane Massey, joined Democrats in stopping the effort. Massey was quoted by news outlet The State as telling his colleagues, “Crushing the minority opposition is not a demonstration of strength.” The map endorsed by the White House would likely have unseated 17-term Black Congressman James Clyburn.
The Missouri Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling that maps diluting Black voting power in Kansas City did not violate the state’s constitution, and will allow the map to be used in the August primary regardless of a pending referendum to repeal it. The map splits the 5th Congressional District along Kansas City’s Troost Avenue, dismantling a district held by 11-term Black Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.
We have links to local reporting and more on the erasure of Black representation in Congress at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org, I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
South Carolina Daily Gazette – SC House panel approves 2-month delay in congressional primary amid redistricting push
South Carolina Daily Gazette – Senators reject White House push to redraw SC’s voting lines
Missouri Independent – Missouri Supreme Court upholds gerrymandered congressional map for August primary
Missouri Supreme Court – Enbanc Decision Opinion issued May 12, 2026 on Redistricting Maps
Brennan Center for Justice – After Louisiana v. Callais: Here’s Proof of Just How Bad Voting Rights in America Are About to Get
Brookings Institution – Callais decision threatens to stall diversity gains in House
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Callais Decision Fallout as Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama & South Carolina Scramble to Eliminate Black Congressional Districts
American Democracy Minute – (2025) Missouri Legislature Passes New Gerrymandered Congressional Map with One More GOP Seat and Moves to Quash Future Citizen Ballot Initiatives
Groups Taking Action:
People Not Politicians Missouri, ACLU Missouri, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, League of Women Voters
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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