Pete Buttigieg joins Indiana Democrats to oppose redistricting
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Pete Buttigieg, speaking at the Indiana Statehouse. Photo: Arika Herron/Axios
Hundreds of Hoosiers packed the Indiana Statehouse on Thursday to oppose what increasingly appears to be the inevitable redrawing of Indiana's congressional map.
Why it matters: Those opposed to mid-cycle redistricting view this moment as perhaps the last best shot at stopping the boulder from rolling down the hill.
The big picture: The Indiana Democratic Party brought in for the occasion the closest thing it has to a rock star — Pete Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend and transportation secretary in the Biden administration.
- "Even with all the pressure coming their way from Washington, a lot of them haven't quite committed to doing the deed," Buttigieg told the crowd in the Statehouse atrium. "And that's where we come in. … It's time for all of us to encourage our Republican friends in the Statehouse to show some backbone before it's too late."
State of play: Texas and Missouri have already drawn new congressional maps to favor the GOP.
- Ohio, Florida, Nebraska and Kansas are among the states that could be next.
- On the other side, California, New York and Illinois are among states looking at making moves to secure more seats for Democrats.
Catch up quick: Gov. Mike Braun said earlier this week that he expects he will call a redistricting special session later this fall for the Republican supermajority to deliver two additional House seats to President Trump.
- That would require carving up the 1st District, in northwest Indiana, and the 7th District, covering most of Indianapolis.
What they're saying: "Both of those districts are filled with Black voters," state Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, said during Thursday's rally. "So, we're going to call this out for what it is. It's a racist power grab to silence voters who look like me."
- Julia Vaughn, with Common Cause Indiana, said a map that splits Indianapolis to flip the Democratic stronghold could be looked at for violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits dilution of minority voters.
The other side: Braun has said any claims of gerrymandering by Democrats are hypocritical and that not delivering a new map could lead to consequences from the Trump administration.
Reality check: While the crowd for the hourlong rally was sizable and enthusiastic, even those in attendance seemed to understand the unlikelihood of their cause.
- "We must be prepared to resist," said David Greene, pastor at Purpose of Life Ministries and president of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis.
- "Lawsuit!" someone in the crowd yelled back.
Between the lines: Though Buttigieg seems to have largely moved on from Indiana, settling in Michigan during his term as transportation secretary, Indiana has clearly not moved on from him.
- Indiana Democrats spokesperson Sam Barloga told Axios that 800 people RSVP'd for the Thursday afternoon rally.
- Everyone who showed up was on their feet as "Mayor Pete" took the stage to raucous cheers and shouts of "We love you, Pete!"
What's next: Braun has said a special session would likely come sometime between November and January.
- He's said he's waiting for Republican leadership at the Statehouse to let him know if and when they want him to call them back, meaning leaders are likely trying to ensure in advance that they have enough votes to pass a new map.