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On Monday, Indiana’s House lawmakers are poised to advance a redistricting plan that is expected to favor Republicans, increasing the stakes for GOP members in the state Senate who are grappling with pressure to align with former President Donald Trump’s expectations.
The Republican majority in the House has expressed confidence that their redistricting initiative will clear the chamber without obstacles. However, its prospects remain uncertain in the Senate, despite being under Republican control as well. For months, Senate Republicans have resisted calls to redraw the district lines.
In a recent development, Senate leaders have reversed their earlier stance of not convening at all and have agreed to meet next Monday. Nevertheless, there is still ambiguity over whether a new map will garner sufficient support among senators.
As of late Friday, no official redistricting proposal or draft map had been released to the public.
Currently, Republicans hold seven of Indiana’s nine U.S. House seats. Trump and his allies are pushing for a complete GOP sweep, aiming to secure all nine seats in anticipation of the 2026 elections, which could determine control of the U.S. House. Meanwhile, Democrats would only need to win a few additional seats to upset the Republican majority.
Indiana lawmakers have been under mounting pressure from the White House to redistrict like Republicans in Texas, Ohio and North Carolina have. To offset the GOP gains, Democrats in California and Virginia have moved to do the same.
But some Indiana Republicans have been far more resistant. Republicans in the state Senate rebelled against Republican Gov. Mike Braun in November and said they would not attend a special session he ordered on redistricting.
The chamber’s top Republican, President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, at the time said the Senate did not have the votes. A spokesperson for Bray’s office did not respond Friday when asked if that is still the case.
Meanwhile, Trump attacked Indiana senators on social media, particularly Bray. He swore to endorse primary opponents of defecting senators. A spree of threats and swatting attempts were made against lawmakers who either said they do not support redistricting or have not taken a stance. At least one lawmaker in favor of redistricting and Braun were also threatened.
Last week, the House announced plans to convene in Indianapolis on Monday.
“All legislative business will be considered beginning next week, including redrawing the state’s congressional map,” House Speaker Todd Huston said in a statement Tuesday.
The Indiana Senate, where a number of lawmakers objected to leadership’s refusal to hold a vote, then said members would reconvene Dec. 8.
“The issue of redrawing Indiana’s congressional maps mid-cycle has received a lot of attention and is causing strife here in our state,” Bray said in a statement Tuesday. He said the Senate will finally decide the matter this month.
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Volmert reported from Lansing, Michigan.