INDIANAPOLIS (WLS) — A state senator from the northwest region of Indiana voiced his perspective on Friday, following a significant vote that occurred the previous day. The decision, which saw the majority oppose a redistricting proposal endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has sparked considerable discussion.

The outcome could have notable political consequences. However, Republican state Senator Rick Niemeyer has expressed confidence, indicating he isn’t concerned about facing a primary challenge next year. Should such a situation arise, he is prepared to confront it. Niemeyer is firm in his belief that his decision to vote “no” on the proposed remapping of Indiana will not negatively impact voter support.

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The Indiana State Senate made waves on Thursday by rejecting the congressional maps with a decisive 31-19 vote. These maps had been advocated for by Trump, aiming to reshape the political terrain.

“The debate from the opposing side was intense, and making this choice was challenging. I have always stood by Republican values throughout my life, making this decision particularly tough,” Niemeyer remarked.

Representing a district that spans parts of Indiana’s Lake County and adjacent areas to the south, Niemeyer was among 21 senators in a body of 40 who voted against the proposed maps. These maps sought to alter two Democratic strongholds, potentially shifting them to favor Republicans.

“It was shocking. Not shocking just because it was defeated,” said North Central College Political Science Professor Stephen Caliendo. “But it is an overwhelmingly Republican body, and that was an overwhelmingly negative vote.”

It was an effort to help Trump keep control of the U.S. House.

“I understood where the administration was coming from, and the importance of playing the game,” Niemeyer said.

Niemeyer said he voted on principle, because the old maps were drawn fairly for voters in northwest Indiana, and the proposed new 1st District seemed too gerrymandered.

“They put in seven counties, about 180 miles long, and it goes to other areas of the state that doesn’t fit what our community is, and we don’t fit them,” Niemeyer said.

ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington says new maps could have presented challenges for incumbent Republicans.

“They know where their districts are now. Why would they want to change midstream? Why would they want to go out and look for new voters to a lot of uncertainty in those new voters? They don’t know who those new voters are. So, redistricting is always perilous for elected officials,” Washington said.

Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun have threatened consequences for those who voted against the new maps. Niemeyer hopes voters will consider his long record of service.

“If they don’t quite agree with me on this issue or agree I should’ve voted differently, I don’t think they’re going to use this issue to say, ‘No, we’re not going to vote for you anymore after all these years.’ But if they do, they do. That’s the process,” Niemeyer said.

He says he won’t lose any sleep over his vote.

“I was confident that I that I made the right decision that I needed to make for myself,” Niemeyer said.

Niemeyer says with Indiana Senate Republicans split over this remap vote, he hopes it will not cause a fracture within the caucus. He also hopes that they can still work together to get things done in Indiana.