Today MyrtleBeachSC News reports on developing political controversy from the General Assembly in Columbia, South Carolina. Republican State Representative Jay Jordan of Florence finds himself under fire from both supporters of President Trump and family court reform advocates after blocking two high-profile bills in his Judiciary Constitutional Laws subcommittee.

Controversial Moves by Jay Jordan

The drama began during today’s committee meeting when Jordan addressed legislation that would redistrict Congressman Jim Clyburn’s South Carolina District 6.

The proposed changes could have delivered Republicans an additional congressional seat – something President Trump has reportedly encouraged as the party prepares for what are expected to be tight 2026 midterm races.

Freedom Caucus member Representative Jordan Pace, who sponsored the redistricting bill, made an unusual request at the start of proceedings. Pace asked Jordan to first consider an Equal Shared Parenting bill, warning that lengthy redistricting debates could prevent the family court reform measure from being heard at all.

The Equal Shared Parenting legislation would establish a presumption of 50-50 custody arrangements for divorced parents when both are deemed fit and able to care for their children. Supporters argue this could dramatically reduce the financial burden on South Carolina families, who currently face legal costs often exceeding $50,000 per person in contested custody cases.

There are roughly 10,261 divorces per year in S.C. In any given year, the Family Law Industry represents 15% to 30% of the civil legal work in S.C.

With conservative estimates showing the state’s family court industry generates approximately $4.6 billion annually in legal fees, trial lawyers would face significant revenue losses if the reform passes.

Jay Jordan denied Pace’s request, prioritizing the redistricting discussion instead.

Ironically, after nearly an hour of debate on redistricting, Jordan himself killed that measure too.

Despite acknowledging the state would face lawsuits regardless of timing, Jay Jordan expressed concerns about Supreme Court challenges and ultimately tabled the bill, citing the 2030 census as better timing for redistricting efforts.

Representative Jay Jordan stated he was concerned he would be sued.

The decision has sparked immediate criticism on social media, with Myrtle Beach area resident John Gallman and others taking Jordan to task for blocking both popular measures despite Republicans holding a supermajority in the state legislature.

This is a developing story. We’ll continue following reaction to Representative Jordan’s committee decisions and their potential impact on South Carolina’s and America’s political landscape.

Should the U.S. Congress flip to Democrat this year, Republican Representative Jay Jordan can say he played his part in helping the Democrat cause.