Local reps pleased with new congressional seat

Tuesday's release of the Census 2010 results, which put the national population at 308.7 million and South Carolina's population at 4.6 million, will mean an additional congressional seat representing the Palmetto State when the 113th Congress convenes in 2013.

South Carolina will pick up one seat in the House of Representatives, bringing the state total to seven, due to the 15.3 percent increase in the state's population since the 2000 Census.

In total, 435 seats in the House must be divided among the 50 states, based on the populations reported by the Census every 10 years.

While the national and statewide numbers were released for reapportionment purposes, the local numbers will be released in phases later on. Aiken County may have to wait until February or March to learn the results, according to a U.S. Census Bureau spokesperson.

The additional congressional seat will mean a louder voice for the needs of South Carolinians, state lawmakers said Tuesday.

"South Carolina's population has been steadily growing over the past several years, so it is not surprising that our state may add another congressional district," said Emily Tyner, a spokesperson for Rep. J. Gresham Barrett, adding that another delegate in the U.S. Congress will help to ensure strong advocacy for South Carolinians' needs.

South Carolina had seven seats until the 1930 Census, when reapportionment claimed one congressional seat, according to census.gov.

"After 80 years, it appears the state will regain its seventh member. I am looking forward to having this congressional seat added to our delegation," said Rep. Joe Wilson. "The people of South Carolina will now be able to have another advocate on their behalf in Washington."

With only one Democratic congressman in the state, South Carolina's seventh district is likely to be a Republican one.

"The news that South Carolina will gain another seat in Congress is very exciting," Sen. Lindsey Graham said. "I am hopeful we will be able to elect another conservative Republican to the congressional delegation to help us keep the Obama administration in check."

Georgia also gained a seat in Congress, with its population increasing 18.3 percent since 2000. Texas' population rose 20.6 percent, and the state gained four congressional seats, the most of any state in the 2010 Census.

Contact Anna Dolianitis at adolianitis@aikenstandard.com.