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Legislators

Indiana Republicans Face Pressure to Redraw Congressional Maps Favoring GOP

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined Indiana Democrats in opposing a potential effort by GOP lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional maps ahead of next year's midterm elections to add one or two US House seats more favorable to the party. Buttigieg rallied opponents at the Indiana Statehouse, urging Republican state lawmakers to "show some backbone" and refrain from cheating by redrawing the maps. However, Democrats face a daunting political reality: they have no way of stopping Republican Gov. Mike Braun and the state's supermajority Republican House and Senate from redrawing its congressional maps.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indiana GOP is facing pressure from President Donald Trump's administration to redraw the state's congressional maps to add one or two seats favorable to the party.
  • Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg rallied opponents of mid-decade redistricting at the Indiana Statehouse, urging Republican lawmakers to "show some backbone" and refrain from cheating.
  • Governor Mike Braun has hinted that redrawing the maps "probably will happen" and could happen as early as November, without calling a special session.
  • Republican state Rep. Ed Clere has expressed deep opposition to mid-decade redistricting, calling it "cheating to win elections" and establishing a "dangerous precedent."
  • Multiple Indiana Republican lawmakers expect Trump will eventually get his way, despite opposition within the party.
  • Vice President JD Vance met privately with Governor Braun and top legislative leaders to press the case for redistricting.
  • The White House has invited Indiana's GOP legislators to Washington to further press their case, and the topic was prominently featured at the Hoosier Leadership for America Summit.

Statistics:

  • Indiana currently has 7 Republican congressional representatives and 2 Democratic representatives.
  • Texas Republicans have redrawn their state's maps to add five more seats that favor GOP candidates.
  • California Democrats responded with new maps of their own intended to add five Democratic-leaning seats.
  • The California maps must still be approved by voters this November.
  • Missouri Republicans last week passed new maps aimed at handing the GOP one more House seat.

Sources:

  • Eric Bradner, CNN, (no publication date specified)
  • CNN (initial article not specified)
  • Indiana Capital Chronicle (no publication date specified)
  • WOWO Radio (no publication date specified)
  • X (social media posts, no publication date specified)

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