MORNING HEADLINES | Primary elections are supposed to be in less than two weeks in South Carolina, but Gov. Henry McMaster has thrown the calendar into chaos by calling legislators into special session starting today to discuss redrawing U.S. House maps.
If they do, elections would likely be put off until August — even though some people have already voted early.
In the special session is set to begin 11 a.m. Friday, McMaster did not dictate what legislators should do, as a governor lacks that authority. But the prelude to his executive order calling for the session gives away its purpose.
“Whereas, the General Assembly began debating South Carolina’s congressional districts … but that debate was not concluded when the General Assembly adjourned sine die,” the order reads, referring to state law’s mandated end to the regular session at 5 p.m. Thursday.
McMaster did not offer a statement or hold a news conference to take questions after issuing the order. GOP leaders, however, said McMaster informed them of his plans on Wednesday.
McMaster’s order comes under pressure from the White House, the state GOP and Republicans who are running for governor — including the candidate he endorsed, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. She told an S.C. House Judiciary panel Tuesday to push through redistricting “by any means necessary.”
The order also came two days after the S.C. Senate refused to add redistricting to a resolution setting the rules for what the legislature could do after the regular session concludes. The 29-17 vote fell two short of a two-thirds majority approval needed, as five Republicans joined 12 Democrats in rejecting the push.
McMaster previously said redistricting was up to legislators and did not intend to call a special session. But he did “a complete 180 on this issue,” according to Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey.
“Based on what I’ve seen this week, I think the governor’s going to do whatever he’s told to do,” Massey said. “There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of pushback or backbone downstairs this week.”
Stuff to do around town
Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find.
- Also sign up today to get relevant newsletters on art, music, food, fun events, statewide news and opinion.
- Out today: The City Paper’s 2026 Best of Charleston winners!
In today’s issue of the Charleston City Paper
CP OPINION: Housing Authority probe is good next step into background of agency’s new CEO. “There’s a lot of egg on the faces of folks who run the city of Charleston Housing Authority (CHA) — scrambled, boiled, sunny-side up, over-easy, poached and runny. But whether what’s been going on at the agency with the hiring of its new executive director is rotten remains up in the air.”
- CP CARTOON: Ariail: No parking
- CP CARTOON: Stegelin: Seeing red
CP COVER STORY: Fine dining off the peninsula: A little drive can yield big tastes, flavors. While downtown often gets the glory when it comes to Charleston’s best cuisine, some of the most delicious restaurants in the area are off the peninsula, from a treasured beach spot to the 2026 Best New Restaurant winner.
CP NEWS: Charleston Housing Authority launches probe into new CEO. The Charleston Housing Authority (CHA) is in the process of selecting a firm to review allegations against its new CEO that may have led to his termination from leadership of the housing authority in Norfolk, Va. (This is an updated version of a story published earlier this week.)
CP FOOD: Collins celebrates 25 years at Circa 1886. It is rare to find someone who stays in the same place for more than a few years. It’s even more unusual to find someone who stays at the same restaurant for more than two decades.
CP ARTS: Fold in these exhibitions during festival season. With Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto set to let loose on May 22, it’s definitely a “more is more” few weeks of art ahead. Savvy, strategic arts lovers make the most of these cultural riches with a little organizational prowess.
CP MUSIC: Charleston bands highlight summer calendar. Charleston’s live music scene rarely sits still for long. Between touring acts passing through the usual rooms and festival bills that grab the spotlight, it’s easy for the artists who actually live and work here to blur into the background noise of it all.
In recent headlines
Even Murdaugh didn’t think convictions would be overturned, lawyers say. Alex Murdaugh’s lawyers said he was stunned to learn that South Carolina’s top court had reversed the murder convictions. Prosecutors plan to retry the case, but a second trial could look very different.
Charleston tourism fueled by record $14.3B impact. Even as economic uncertainty reshaped travel habits across the country, Charleston’s tourism industry continues to break records.
Charleston County breaks ground on new EMS operations and training complex. Charleston County leaders broke ground Thursday on a new EMS operations and training complex that officials say will help support growing demand for emergency services across the Lowcountry.
Charleston board reapproves plans for downtown parking garage on one condition. A downtown project shelved due to COVID is back on track, even after its development rights expired.
McMaster to discuss S.C. hurricane readiness ahead of season. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and emergency management officials will discuss the state’s readiness for hurricane season during an event planned Friday morning in Summerville.
Second pay raise for S.C. legislators finalized, to start in 2028. After two years of wrangling with the idea of a pay increase, legislators will get automatic raises in the coming years under a bill sent to the governor’s desk Thursday.
Support independent journalism
Keep the City Paper strong with a spring gift. This holiday season, please consider donating $25 — or even $100 — to support free, independent journalism at the Charleston City Paper. Every donation helps keep alive a voice of freedom. Your help is appreciated.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.