Indiana Senate Republicans Defeat Proposed Redistricting Map Amid National Political Pressure
Indiana Senate Republicans, with 21 joining all 10 Democrats, defeated a proposed redistricting map by a vote of 31-19. The House had already passed the map the prior week, which would have flipped two Democratic-held congressional seats in Indiana. President Donald Trump had lobbied extensively for the map to help Republicans retain congressional majorities. The White House intensified pressure ahead of the vote, with Trump threatening consequences for opponents on Truth Social. Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed disappointment and vowed to work with the President to challenge lawmakers he believes do not represent Hoosiers. Demonstrations occurred at the Indiana statehouse during the sessions in response to the redistricting push. The defeated map proposed to redraw parts of Indianapolis and risked ousting Indiana’s lone Black House member, André Carson. This episode fits within a broader national fight over redistricting, with states like Texas and California at the forefront and others including Utah, Ohio, New Hampshire, Missouri, and Illinois initiating or enacting redistricting measures. Critics and commentators framed the decision as a setback for Trump, with figures like Steve Bannon warning that gains in redistricting would be crucial for Republicans to hold the House. Trump's outreach efforts included inviting Indiana lawmakers to the White House and dispatching Vice President JD Vance twice to Indiana to shore up support. Nearly a dozen Indiana Republicans reported receiving death threats or being targets of swatting related to the vote.
