Democrats' plan to stop redistricting before it starts
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Without the votes to kill a bill on the floor, House Democrats are hoping to stop Indiana's mid-cycle redistricting process before it starts.
Why it matters: The House is set to convene Monday afternoon to start redrawing the state's congressional map, carving up the two seats held by Democrats in a way that could flip them for Republicans, giving President Trump two more seats in the U.S. House and a better chance at keeping control of Congress.
Driving the news: Democrats, who vehemently oppose mid-cycle redistricting, are hoping to get four Republican colleagues to join them in not showing up for the 2pm start to prevent the House from having a quorum.
Between the lines: The 70 Republicans in the House constitute a supermajority. They don't need Democrats to pass a bill or meet because the threshold to conduct business is two-thirds of the chamber, or 67 representatives.
- It only takes a 51-person simple majority to pass legislation.
State of play: Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis, has identified five Republicans — Reps. Becky Cash, Ed Clere, Dave Hall, Danny Lopez and Hunter Smith — that could stop the vote. Gore is asking for them not to show up until the issue is off the table.
- But Hall and Lopez told Axios they'll show up for the quorum call on Monday.
- "I've been vocal in my opposition to redrawing maps, but while Rep. Gore's constituents may be OK with him walking out, I'm not going to quit fighting for the communities who sent me to the Statehouse," Lopez, a Carmel Republican, said in a statement.
Clere told Axios that despite his opposition to redistricting, a walkout isn't the answer.
- "Mid-cycle redistricting is harmful to both the legislative institution and to democracy more broadly," Clere said. "A walkout would only deepen the existing partisan divide and further undermine the legislative institution."
- Cash and Smith did not respond to requests for comment made to their offices.
What they're saying: "I think these folks … who are publicly opposed or would like to be viewed as moderates, it's time for them to put their money where their mouths are," Gore told Axios.
- "They can end this redistricting madness by refusing to provide their caucus a quorum. That's what I'm calling on them to do."
What's next: If the House has a quorum, a redistricting bill is expected to be passed this week and sent to the Senate.
- The Senate will reconvene next week to consider what the House sends them.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from Clere, who said his office did not relay Axios' request for comment.