Indiana's Republican-controlled House set to redraw congressional districts in favor of the party, with pressure mounting on its counterparts in the Senate.
A contentious redistricting process is expected to reach a boiling point in Indiana as lawmakers convene in Indianapolis. Republicans have long sought to redraw the state's congressional map to give their party two extra seats in the 2026 elections, which would tilt control of the U.S. House in their favor. The current margins are heavily weighted in the GOP's favor, with Republicans holding seven out of nine districts.
However, Senate leadership had initially resisted meeting on redistricting altogether, citing a lack of support from caucus members. But after mounting pressure and threats from President Trump, who vowed to endorse primary opponents of defecting senators, several lawmakers have come under attack. At least one legislator in favor of the plan was threatened as well.
Despite this resistance, House Republicans have moved forward with publishing a draft map featuring nine congressional districts, with new boundaries designed to oust the state's two Democratic U.S. House members. The city of Indianapolis would be split among four districts, a major change from its current single-member district that reliably backs Democrats.
The Senate, which has been more resistant, is expected to reconvene on December 8 to decide the matter once and for all. While it remains uncertain whether enough senators will support the new map, House Speaker Todd Huston assured lawmakers that "all legislative business" would be considered, including redrawing the congressional map.
As tensions rise, Trump's attacks on Senate leadership have added fuel to the fire, with several lawmakers facing threats and swatting attempts. The situation has become increasingly heated, with Democrats in neighboring states taking notice of the redistricting process and potentially moving forward with their own plans to redraw districts.
With the House poised to move forward with its plan, Indiana's Senate faces a critical decision that will determine whether the state's congressional map is redrawn in the GOP's favor or remains more evenly split.
A contentious redistricting process is expected to reach a boiling point in Indiana as lawmakers convene in Indianapolis. Republicans have long sought to redraw the state's congressional map to give their party two extra seats in the 2026 elections, which would tilt control of the U.S. House in their favor. The current margins are heavily weighted in the GOP's favor, with Republicans holding seven out of nine districts.
However, Senate leadership had initially resisted meeting on redistricting altogether, citing a lack of support from caucus members. But after mounting pressure and threats from President Trump, who vowed to endorse primary opponents of defecting senators, several lawmakers have come under attack. At least one legislator in favor of the plan was threatened as well.
Despite this resistance, House Republicans have moved forward with publishing a draft map featuring nine congressional districts, with new boundaries designed to oust the state's two Democratic U.S. House members. The city of Indianapolis would be split among four districts, a major change from its current single-member district that reliably backs Democrats.
The Senate, which has been more resistant, is expected to reconvene on December 8 to decide the matter once and for all. While it remains uncertain whether enough senators will support the new map, House Speaker Todd Huston assured lawmakers that "all legislative business" would be considered, including redrawing the congressional map.
As tensions rise, Trump's attacks on Senate leadership have added fuel to the fire, with several lawmakers facing threats and swatting attempts. The situation has become increasingly heated, with Democrats in neighboring states taking notice of the redistricting process and potentially moving forward with their own plans to redraw districts.
With the House poised to move forward with its plan, Indiana's Senate faces a critical decision that will determine whether the state's congressional map is redrawn in the GOP's favor or remains more evenly split.