Indiana Governor Convenes Special Legislative Session for Redistricting Maps Update

Indiana Governor Mike Braun, a Republican, announced a special legislative session on Monday aimed at redrawing the state’s congressional districts. This decision comes after intense lobbying efforts from the White House, as Republicans aim to maintain their slim majority in the House through mid-decade redistricting.

“I am initiating a special legislative session to safeguard Hoosiers from external efforts that aim to weaken their representation in Washington, ensuring fair representation in Congress,” stated Braun in his announcement.

In addition, Braun is requesting that the legislature align Indiana’s tax code with recent federal tax changes, providing stability and clarity for taxpayers and tax preparers as they prepare for the 2026 tax filings.

This development marks a victory for the White House and national Republicans, who have been urging several Republican-led states to revise their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections. The goal is to secure their control of the House during the final two years of President Trump’s second term.

Texas and Missouri Republicans have already passed new maps to add new pickup opportunities ahead of the midterms, while California Democrats are putting a redistricting ballot measure before before voters in an effort to offset some of those gains Republicans are expected to make.

The White House has lobbied hard for Indiana to redraw its congressional lines to nix both Democratic seats, with Vice President Vance traveling to the state twice and President Trump speaking with lawmakers directly about redistricting earlier this month.

The pressure from the White House came as some Republicans in Indiana expressed reluctance toward redrawing House districts ahead of 2026.

“My home state of Indiana is on the national Republican target list for new lines, as part of the quest to ensure continued control of the House,” former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post last week.

“While the outcome sought is one I support, the tactic being employed to get there is not, and I hope earnestly that my state’s leaders will politely decline to participate,” he added.

Though more Republicans have come out in support of mid-decade redistricting, it’s not clear if Senate Republicans have the votes to pass new maps.

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