In the second segment of hour one on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, The Charlie James Show turns its attention toward legislative accountability and the long-term political impact of new maps. Charlie James zeroes in on the South Carolina Senate, specifically criticizing the 21-20 vote that approved a massive increase in monthly "in-district expense allowances" from $1,000 to $2,500. He lists the senators who supported the measure—including Shane Martin, Darrell Jackson, Thomas Alexander, and Karl Allen—warning that this $18,000 annual pay hike will be a central issue for voters in the upcoming June primaries.
The show then expands its critique to Virginia, following the passage of a constitutional amendment that allows mid-decade redistricting. James highlights how this new law effectively sidelines the state's bipartisan commission, giving Democrats in the General Assembly the immediate power to implement a map projected to shift the state's congressional delegation from a 6-5 split to a dominant 10-1 advantage. He characterizes the move as a partisan response to Republican redistricting in other states, arguing it sacrifices constitutional guardrails for short-term electoral gains.
Apr 22, 2026
