Redistricting supporters to push issue on Organization Day
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Indiana lawmakers will convene Tuesday afternoon for the ceremonial start of the 2026 legislative session.
Why it matters: Organization Day will bring the General Assembly together publicly for the first time since Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) announced the Senate would not return next month to draw a new congressional map because his caucus didn't have the votes to pass it — potentially restarting negotiations.
State of play: Infighting between Indiana Republicans has reached a new level since Bray's announcement.
- His decision not to bring in the chamber to vote on a new map — that would have given the GOP two additional congressional seats ahead of next year's midterm elections — has earned the ire of everyone from President Trump to Gov. Mike Braun.
- Assistant Majority Floor Leader Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) is outspoken about her support for redistricting and leads the criticism of her colleagues blocking it.
What they're saying: "This is bad news for our conservative values," Brown said in a statement. "If Democrats take control of Congress, we will see impeachment hearings, woke ideology and higher taxes thrust upon Indiana and the rest of the country."
- "Indiana will be blamed. And how cowardly that we couldn't even take a vote."
- Brown said she'll push to get redistricting back on the table when she's "face to face" with her colleagues Tuesday.
Zoom in: Braun, who was also blasted by Trump for not working hard enough to get a new map passed, wrote on social media Monday that he "had a great call with President Trump" and remains "committed to standing with him on the critical issue of passing fair maps in Indiana to ensure the MAGA agenda is successful in Congress."
- He accused the Senate of "hiding behind closed doors."
The other side: Bray declined to answer questions from reporters Monday after an event with legislative leaders.
- Molly Swigart, a spokesperson for Bray, told reporters he'd talk to them during Organization Day, which is typically a low-drama affair where lawmakers take a day to prepare for the upcoming session.
What we're watching: A pro-redistricting rally is planned for 11am Tuesday at the Statehouse rotunda, ahead of Organization Day activities that start at 1:30pm.