Indiana GOP Moves Forward with Trump-Backed Congressional Map, Senate Outcome Uncertain

The Republican-led Indiana House of Representatives approved a new congressional map on Friday aimed at unseating the states two Democratic incumbents, setting the stage for a contentious vote in the state Senate next week, where opposition is stronger.

The measure passed the House 57-41, largely along party lines, though 12 Republicans, including four leaders, sided with Democrats in opposition.

For months, the Indiana Senate has resisted efforts from former President Donald Trump to reshape the states congressional boundaries to favor Republicans. Trump is pushing a nationwide effort to maintain the partys slim U.S. House majority for the 2026 midterm elections by urging Republican-controlled states to redraw district maps.

Currently, Republicans hold seven of Indianas nine congressional seats. The new map could potentially give them full control of all nine seats. Nationwide, Democrats would need to flip just three seats to reclaim the House, which would allow them to counter Trumps legislative initiatives and pursue investigations into his administration.

Democrats criticized the proposed Indiana map, arguing it dilutes the influence of Black and Latino voters by dividing Indianapolis, the state capital and largest city, into four separate districts. Democratic U.S. Representative Andre Carson, Indianas only Black congress member, currently represents this area.

"This map fragments communities whose unity is vital," said Democrat Blake Johnson. "It diminishes the voice of Black and brown Hoosiers who already face challenges in being heard. It signals to moderates and independents that their vote has little impact."

Mitch Gore, another Democrat from Indianapolis, highlighted that a single city intersection would now fall under three different districts. "This isnt proper representation; its intentional division of a community," he stated. "Politically engineered, yesbut the human impact is undeniable."

Republican Ben Smaltz, the bills sponsor, admitted the map was designed for partisan advantage but denied any racial intent. "The legislature has the authority to revise maps when needed," he said on the House floor.

Senate Republican leader Rodric Bray initially resisted scheduling a vote on redistricting, citing insufficient support. After pressure from the White House and Republican Governor Mike Braun, Bray agreed to bring it to the Senate floor next week. It remains uncertain if enough senators will approve the plan. Trump has warned he may back challengers against Republican senators who oppose the map, and some lawmakers report receiving threats recently.

Redistricting usually occurs once every ten years following the U.S. Census. Trump sparked a mid-decade redistricting push nationally after persuading Texas Republicans to redraw districts to flip Democratic seats. Other Republican-led states, including North Carolina and Missouri, have followed suit, while Democratic-led states like California and Virginia have launched their own efforts to secure additional districts for their party.

Author: Aiden Foster