Redistricting stalls in Indiana Senate
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Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Indiana's redistricting effort has stalled in the state Senate.
Why it matters: The White House was expecting Indiana lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional map in favor of Republicans and deliver two more GOP seats in next year's midterm elections.
The big picture: Other Republican-led states, like Texas and Missouri, have already moved ahead with redistricting efforts, and the Trump administration has been pressuring Indiana to do the same.
- Vice President JD Vance visited the state twice; Indiana lawmakers were invited to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with White House officials; and President Trump reportedly phoned into a recent meeting of Indiana Senate Republicans.
Zoom in: The Senate is where the impasse appears to be.
- "The votes aren't there for redistricting," Molly Swigart, spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, told Axios, confirming earlier reporting from Politico.
Between the lines: Gov. Mike Braun previously said he would call lawmakers into a special legislative session for the unusual mid-cycle redistricting once leaders told him they had the votes to pass a new congressional map redrawing the 1st and 7th districts, in northwest Indiana and Indianapolis, which have traditionally been held by Democrats.
- "I am still having positive conversations with members of the legislature," Braun wrote on X after the Politico story published. "I am confident the majority of Indiana Statehouse Republicans will support efforts to ensure fair representation in congress for every Hoosier."
Reality check: Indiana is not required to redistrict.
- Congressional maps are usually redrawn in coordination with the census conducted each decade.
- Indiana's current congressional map was drawn (and celebrated) by Republicans in 2020.
Yes, but: Braun has warned that there could be consequences from the federal government if Indiana doesn't deliver.
What we're watching: Just because the Senate doesn't have the votes today doesn't mean the pressure campaign won't continue on both sides of the issue.
- If the vote count changes, Braun could still call lawmakers into the Statehouse at any time.
- Even without a special session, lawmakers in support of redistricting could pursue a new map at the start of the next legislative session in January.