Indiana redistricting fight heads to special session. Senate support remains unclear

Updated 5:47 P.M., Monday, OCt. 27

Gov. Mike Braun set Monday, Nov. 3 as the start of a special legislative session to consider redrawing Indiana's congressional map — a move that follows months of pressure from President Donald Trump and the White House for midterm redistricting in key states. 

The national push included sustained outreach to Indiana Republican leaders, with Vice President JD Vance and senior allies urging action before 2026.

Republicans currently hold seven of Indiana's nine U.S. House seats. Democrats represent the 1st District in northwest Indiana — held by U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan — and the 7th District in Marion County, anchored by Indianapolis — held by U.S. Rep. André Carson.

"I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair," Braun said in a statement. "I am also asking the legislature to conform Indiana's tax code with new federal tax provisions to ensure stability and certainty for taxpayers and tax preparers for 2026 filings."

Yet, some GOP senators have signaled unease about reopening maps midterm, and leaders have not publicly confirmed they have the votes for a new plan.

Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray told WFYI, "the votes still aren't there for redistricting."

Indiana last drew congressional lines in 2021 after the census. At that time GOP members expressed how pleased they were with the new maps. A midcycle map is expected to face a legal challenge.

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian called the move "likely unconstitutional" and said it diverts attention from "utility bills, healthcare costs, and stagnant wages."

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) objected to the redistricting effort after Braun's announcement. He said voters want lawmakers working on daily concerns instead of political lines.

"And poll after poll after poll, that I've seen says this is not the time, nor is it necessary to be working on redrawing of congressional maps for political purposes and political gains," he said during a brief press conference at the Statehouse Monday.

But some Indiana Republicans praised Braun's call, including Rep. Rep. Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis). He has argued that Republicans have a "constitutional right to draw maps" in their favor because they represent the majority of people in the state. 

Trump won 58.6% of Indiana's vote in the 2024 presidential election.

"Republicans in Indiana must fight fire with fire by redistricting 9-0," Ireland wrote on social media Monday. "... we cannot unilaterally disarm while Democrats in Illinois, California, and now Virginia are doing everything they can to take our representation away."

Democrat members of Congress respond

Political experts have said the most immediate battleground is the 1st District, a Democratic seat centered on Lake County that has grown more competitive. 

Changes there could ripple into neighboring districts — including the 2nd and 4th — as Republicans weigh how to consolidate advantages without triggering court scrutiny over minority vote dilution or partisan gerrymandering.

Mrvan, who first won the District 1 seat in 2020, framed Braun's push to change the maps as a means to district from Republican’s failed policies. 

“His attempt to silence the very voters he represents is yet another example of how out of touch he is with the people of our great state,” Mrvan said in a statement.

Gregory Shufeldt, a political science professor at the University of Indianapolis, said the move could erode citizens' trust in government. 

"It is a really clear example of democratic backsliding, and the rationale that is not being hidden at all is very much what we want to win elections, and we want to control government," Shufeldt said.

Carson, in a Facebook message Monday afternoon, wrote: “Governor Braun has called a special session to redistrict Indiana’s congressional seats 5 years early. Hoosiers overwhelmingly oppose this plan.”

WFYI editor Jill Sheridan and reporter Farrah Anderson contributed to this report.

Eric Weddle is WFYI's education editor. Contact Eric at eweddle@wfyi.org or follow him on X at @ericweddle.